Mbombela - A further 31 unroadworthy vehicles have been scrapped in Mpumalanga, bringing the total of vehicles scrapped in one month to nearly 300.
The vehicles were pulled off the road at a stop and search operation in KwaMhlanga recently. The operation was conducted by officials from the Traffic Intervention Unit (TIU), the police, correctional services and the South African Revenue Service.
"At least 31 vehicles were discontinued, three impounded and 179 notices issued for various traffic violations," said Provincial Community, Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe.
Shongwe said the TIU removed 264 vehicles from the road between 24 and 31 October.
He said the recent stop and search operation included visiting parolees and raiding local taverns at night.
His department had also changed its road safety slogan from Sivuth'Umlilo (We are on fire) to Sekwanele Bopha (Enough is enough, arrest).
"People who put fellow citizens in danger on the roads should be arrested before it is too late. That's why the department has changed its slogan...to signify that if people disregard road safety warnings and advice, they will be arrested," said Shongwe.
He said it was about time the government acted harshly against those who continue using unroadworthy vehicles.
"Arresting motorists with unroadworthy vehicles will encourage drivers to check the condition of their vehicles before driving them," Shongwe said.
Department spokesperson Joseph Mabuza said the operation also led to the arrest of undocumented foreign nationals.
He said the MEC later met with members of the public in Mandela village near KwaMhlanga.
He said the community complained they no longer trusted police because criminals were being released after spending just a few days in police cells.
"The MEC replied that he had already spoken to the department of justice and constitutional development to support the police by making sure all criminals, especially those charged with serious crimes, get maximum sentences," said Mabuza.
The MEC has, however, requested the community to give information to police and be present in court to give evidence for the state to secure convictions.
