Cops gunning for 'road hogs'
2003-11-06 19:27
Bloemfontein - Some bus operators act with "impunity" and "callous disregard" for their passengers' lives, said Free State MEC for public works, roads and transport Sekhopi Malebo on Thursday.
He was speaking at a media conference in Bloemfontein after releasing a report on the Saulspoort bus disaster, that claimed 51 lives six months ago.
The report alleged serious mechanical defects on the bus.
Malebo added that the minibus industry was generally no better than the bus operators.
It operated mostly "by threatening strikes or blockades when subjected to normal levels of routine law enforcement".
He referred to four fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles in the past three weeks that claimed 58 lives and seriously injured 40 people.
Malebo said: "The situation is totally unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue. Enough is enough."
Targeting public-transport vehicles
He announced his provincial department's participation in the national Operation Juggernaut, "aimed at claiming back our roads".
From November 9, all Free State law enforcers would concentrate on freight and public-transport vehicles, as well as mini- and midi-buses, unroadworthy and unlicensed vehicles.
Traffic control centres, weighbridges and the government's vehicle-testing stations would remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Roadblocks would be set up to test brakes and steering mechanisms.
Unlicensed, unroadworthy and unsafe vehicles would immediately be removed from the roads.
Malebo continued that it was expected of all heavy vehicles, including buses, to switch on their headlights from November 9.
Heavy vehicle drivers would in future be subjected to annual physical checks, he said.
Juggernaut is to support the Arrive Alive campaign in the next three months.
- SAPA