No place to hide as cops break cover

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers have finally come out of the bush they were hiding behind.

In the still of Saturday night the JMPD together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Gauteng community safety department set up an overnight roadblock on Witkoppen Road, R564, north of Johannesburg, where they were enforcing the law during the launch of "operation futha" a plan through which the transport department intends to stop one million vehicles by the end of November.

At the road block motorists where pulled over and assessed for alcohol levels, vehicles were checked if they were roadworthy or not and vehicles and occupants were checked for illegal weapons throughout the night.

Fortunately, or unfortunately those who did not abide to road and safety bylaws, were apprehended on the spot.

One motorist tried to escape in his car, but did not get far as he was no match for the highly-trained officers.

JMPD spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar said 60 people were tested for drunken driving and 28 people were arrested during the launch. Those arrested were taken to Douglasdale police station where they were released on bail of between R800 and R1500.

Minnaar said this operation was part of the national transport department's festive campaign which is aimed at reducing accidents, crime and death on roads.

He said throughout the festive season the department would have roadblocks all over the country in an effort to achieve this end.

Minnaar said "operation futha" would deal with driver fitness and assess alcohol levels of motorists.

He said they would also assess driver behaviour. "We will arrest those driving over the speed limit".

Minnaar added that part of the plan for this year would also include assessing public transport (checking public transport documents and overloading), vehicle fitness, pedestrian safety and crime prevention.

Road Traffic Management Corporation acting chief executive, Collins Letsoalo said: "operation futha" would start this month to catch those who violate traffic rules.

"We have already reached our target of stopping one million cars in October.

"We are now looking forward to stopping another one million cars by end November," he said. SM Enforcement co-ordinator, Ashref Ismail said the department wanted to have clean roads.

Minnaar also said "Operation Futha" will be implemented in other provinces as part of the national rolling enforcement plan to reduce drinking and driving.

Ismail said: "We will be visible and we will be at any place at any time. We won't be hiding behind any bush and you will feel our presence."

Meanwhile, on Tuesday metro police in Johannesburg also escorted 50 minibus taxis to the Marlboro testing station for roadworthiness tests.

Minnaar said this was done as a result of a crackdown following numerous complaints from motorists who use the R55 near Kyalami. He said the metro police planned more moves like this.

Minibus taxis which fail the roadworthy test would have to be taken for repairs and tested again. "The drivers will also be fined," said Minnaar.