Free State authorities on full alert for Mangaung, holidays

Free State law enforcement authorities will be on full alert over December, the police, roads and transport department said on Monday.

"The police, SA National Defence Force, local municipalities, home affairs department, road agencies, emergency and disaster management have developed a comprehensive plan to deal with the situation," department spokesman Zolile Walaza said.

He said it included the African National Congress's national elective conference which would add more pressure to holiday traffic volumes.

Walaza said officers would not tolerate any unlawful activities on provincial roads and in Mangaung.

There would be roadblocks, speed control, highway patrols and random stop-and-searches of drivers and vehicles. This would include inspections for alcohol, substance abuse, and fatigue, driver’s licences and roadworthiness.

The department said public transport vehicle drivers should not deviate from their allocated routes or the vehicles would be impounded -- to combat piracy and conflicts over routes. It would cost R5000 to release them.

Walaza said drivers of speeding vehicles, those without number plates or carrying illegal consignments, would be heavily sanctioned.