Drunken driving is one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on our roads and for this reason, the Msimanga administration will continue to increase awareness and law enforcement to curb this.
These were the words expressed by the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Solly Msimanga, during a weekend operation by the Tshwane Metro Police Department that saw the arrest of 53 people for drunken driving. One other person was arrested for public drinking.
Two stolen vehicles were also recovered in Mamelodi and Centurion and suspected stolen cables were recovered in Lynwood during the same operation.
The operation is underpinned by one of the five development strategic pillars which is to keep residents safe. The arrests were made during operations held in different regions such as Mamelodi, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa, Centurion and Pretoria CBD.
Msimanga joined one of the operations held last night at Mabopane high way where he used the opportunity to ensure that road users receive information educating them on the dangers and the safe practices when behind the wheel.
“All road users, including pedestrians need to respect the rules of the road, this is the only way we can see reduced road fatalities.”
“We will continue to advocate for safe driving, not only during the Easter or festive seasons but throughout the year. We will further arrest those found to be contravening the law in order to save lives.” said Msimanga.
Motorists are urged to refrain from drinking and driving. Instead they are advised to use other alternative means of transport rather than endangering innocent lives by driving under the influence of alcohol.
The City will focus on utilising the metro police to increase visible policing in strategic areas, addressing the metro police’s ability to respond to a variety of challenges, prioritising initiatives to deal with drug abuse and protecting residents from disasters effectively.