JMPD nabs 900 traffic offenders over Easter

30 March 2016

 

More than 800 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and a further 121 for speeding in Johannesburg over the long Easter weekend, according to Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.

 

“As JMPD, we’re here to make roads in Johannesburg safe for all those who use them,” said Minnaar.

He said the department would continue mounting roadblocks throughout the year to ensure motorists complied with the rules of the road.

Gauteng Traffic Department Spokesperson Obed Sibasa said the number of fatalities on the Gauteng City Region’s roads dropped by almost 50%, from 287 to 156, compared with last year’s Easter weekend.

“As the Gauteng City Region, we’re happy with the decline in the number of fatalities on our roads. This shows that more people are complying with the rules of the road and we want to congratulate those who adhere to them and encourage them to keep on doing the right thing,” said Sibasa.

He warned those who drove under the influence of alcohol that their actions would not go unpunished.

“We’re going to lock them up for failing to do the right thing. We’ve zero tolerance for people who don’t respect the rules of the road,” said Sibasa.

Chief Superintendent Minnaar added that the City was also pleased with the decline in the number of fatalities.

"It shows that all the hard work and long hours that the various departments put in has paid off,” he said.

Sibasa said traffic flowed smoothly on all Gauteng freeways, while township roads experienced congestions. He said one of the most horrific accidents occurred on the Golden Highway, south of Johannesburg, when an allegedly drunk driver failed to stop at a stop sign. Four people were killed in the resultant accident.

“Most accidents can be avoided but people still ignore what’s right. We encourage people to choose life,” said Sibasa.