KIMBERLEY - The MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Me Nomandla Bloem accompanied by the Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Municipality, Councillor Sonyoni , Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Maj Gen Koliswa Otola, the Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing , Brig Hennie van Rensburg, the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Maj Gen Johan Bean and other senior SAPS officers, the Deputy Provincial Chairperson of the Community Police Forum, Me Esau, heads of Departments and entities and also including Provincial and local Traffic officials participated in the Provincial Arrive Alive Easter Road Safety Campaign Launch today at the Weighbridge on the N12 South, outside of Kimberley.

MEC Bloem addressed the multi-disciplinary role players comprising of law enforcement officials from the SAPS, Department of Home Affairs, SANDF and Traffic officers at the roadblock as well as Community in Blue patrollers.

Maj Gen Otola delivered a message of support and reiterated that police will focus on illegal activities, including stolen goods, firearms and ammunition, stolen vehicles, drugs, livestock, etc, in transit on our roads leading in and out of the province.

Unroadworthty vehicles, speeding, illegal spinning, driving under the influence of alcohol, driver fatigue, use of safety belts and pedestrian safety will be areas of concentration during this period.

As the SAPS, we will focus on responsible driving at all times therefore driving under the influence of alcohol and drinking in public will not be allowed and we will adopt a zero tolerance approach.

In addition to the launch, MEC Bloem handed over uniforms to the members of the Community in Blue Patrollers during which she also thanked them for the voluntary service they render to the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and the community at large.

After all the formalities MEC Bloem and the delegation proceeded to the roadblock where they engaged and interacted with motorists and commuters and handed over promotional items.

Simultaneous vehicle checkpoints were conducted on the N8 and R31 during which vehicles and passengers were searched.

Various traffic fines were issued for traffic offences.

The police in the Northern Cape will be out in full force for the duration of the Easter weekend and beyond stamping down the authority of the State and vigorously enforcing the law.

Source: South African Police Service