By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said as part of the ongoing Safer Easter Holiday, they will ensure that all people in South Africa are and feel safe. Lehari said the South African Police Service (SAPS) working together with other law enforcement agencies that included Provincial and Matlosana Local Traffic, Immigration, South African National Road Agency, Matlosana Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and College, Road Incident Management System (RIMS), Stilfontein Community in Blue members and North West Public Transport Intervention Team held a joint roadblock along the N12 road in Stilfontein near Klerksdorp on Thursday.
“The operation, which focused on enforcement of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996, interception of suspected stolen or illegal property including unlicensed firearms and other offenses, was attended by the executive mayor of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Nikiwe Num.
“Taking into cognisance the ever-increasing traffic volumes, high accident rates, congestion, and the negative impact of incidents on the road systems, the RIMS participated in the operation to restore normal capacity and safety levels to all affected road facilities as quickly and efficiently as possible,” he said.
Lehari further said, subsequent to the roadblock, 120 vehicles were stopped, inspected, and searched while 360 persons were also searched. He added that 49 road traffic fines worth R19 950 were issued to motorists, while a man was apprehended for possessing counterfeit goods.
“Three undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. In order to create awareness, crime prevention safety tips and other informative leaflets from various stakeholders were handed out to motorists and other road users.
“Similar operations will continue throughout the province to ensure the general safety of travellers,” said Lehari.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said: “The police in cooperation with other role players, will continue with crime prevention and combatting operations. This will ensure that they intensify the fight against opportunistic criminality, including all serious crimes affecting the lives and property during this Easter holiday.
“Lehari has ordered law enforcement officers to apply the law strictly while being professional in their approach. He also urged them not to be lenient on any deviancy, but to do so within the confines of the law. North West has registered a 21% reduction of fatalities during the festive season and we want at least 25% this time.”
The Guardian 