Several people have been arrested while numerous unroadworthy vehicles were impounded during a joint roadblock by law enforcement officers at Mantsole Weigh Bridge, outside Bela-Bela, in Limpopo.
The roadblock, led by the province’s premier Stan Mathabatha, was aimed at assessing the roadworthiness of traveling vehicles as well as the fitness of motorists.
Some travellers were also vaccinated during the operation.
According to authorities, the operation has yielded positive results. A suspect transporting counterfeit cigarettes was arrested. Two other suspects were also nabbed for being in the possession of an endangered species.
Traffic volumes are increasing on the province’s major roads.
Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha says, “Very key to this roadblock also is the issue of vaccination. We want to deal with this pandemic very seriously, that is why we are encouraging our people to get vaccinated. Every car that passes here, we stop we ask people in the car as to whether they have vaccinated, if they have not vaccinated we ask them to vaccinate here and now. And many of them willingly and voluntarily vaccinate.”
Unroadworthy vehicles
Police impounded several unroadworthy vehicles. Motorists and passengers say even though the roads are busy, traffic is flowing on the N1 road.
“We are traveling from Gauteng. it has been a safe journey so far. Only that we have been delayed by this roadblock,” says one motorist.
Another laments, “My journey was fine but they stopped me and I am stuck here. My registration has expired and for me to continue with my journey I have to pay R5000.”
Meanwhile, eight people including pedestrians have been killed in fatal crashes on Limpopo roads since last Friday. Authorities say these numbers will likely rise.
