207 arrested in Easter weekend crackdown
Joint operation on N6 sees 94 people caught for drunk driving
An Easter law enforcement operation conducted in the Chris Hani District resulted in 207 suspects arrested on various charges, including drunken driving and contravening the lockdown regulations.
According to a report issued by police spokesperson Capt Namhla Mdleleni, the operations were carried out in various areas including Ngcobo, Komani, Ilinge, Cofimvaba, Sterkstroom and Elliot.
“This saw 107 suspects arrested for contravention of the disaster management Act, 94 for drunken driving, three for driving without drivers licences, two for selling liquor without licences and three for drug possession.
“All arrested suspects appeared in [court] in their respective areas this week.”
Speaking to The Rep at a roadblock on the N6 near the stock theft unit at the start of the operation on Thursday, Chris Hani District Commissioner, Maj Gen Funeka Siganga, said a multi-disciplinary approach was undertaken to monitor unlawful conduct, which included drug transportation, the possession of unlicensed firearms and Covid19 non-compliance.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that public safety and order is maintained. Whoever is doing wrong has to account.
“We are not doing this because we want to take steps against people, we want to ensure they are law-abiding.
“We feel honoured to have the Komani Vispol commander, Col Loyiso Ngalo to form part in this operation. We learn a lot from him,” she said.
As vehicles were searched, a drunk driver was arrested and a number of road users given fines for non-compliance.
Komani traffic chief provincial officer, Simphiwe Kajama, said the Easter weekend was notorious for high accident rates.
“These accidents happen mostly at night and in the early hours of the morning, and when we analyse the causes, it is due to high speed and driving under the influence of alcohol.
“Innocent people lose their lives because of people who do not obey the law. We came out in full force and people will be brought to book.”
CHDM mayor, Wongama
Gela, who was present, noted some improvement in the public abiding by the law, adding that some complied only when approached by officials.
“The presence of the district municipality in these operations is in line with two important decisions. The first relates to the resuscitation of the district development model by the president, where district municipalities must play a role in coordinating the work of government. The second is the establishment of a joint operations committee.
“We discuss issues relating to the fight against Covid-19.
“This assists in reinforcing regulations in terms of Covid-19 and general laws governing how motorists should conduct themselves.”