By Montsho Matlala
Polokwane: Traffic authorities in Limpopo have warned that there will be no mercy for drunk drivers amidst the expected high traffic volumes as members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) return from their week-long Consecration of the New Year Conference at Moria City outside Polokwane from Wednesday.
Wayward motorists and passengers are known to exploit heavy traffic to transport illicit goods, abuse alcohol, or engage in various criminal activities, including the smuggling of stolen vehicles.
In their clampdown on drunken driving, traffic officers and police arrested 23 drivers — including a 62-year-old pensioner — during Operation Phuza Weekend, which ran from Saturday to Sunday.
“The operations were carried out in Modimolle, Lephalale, Bolobedu, Phalaborwa, Giyani, and Namakgale. Officers recorded the highest alcohol level at a staggering 1.16mg/L, almost five times the legal limit,” said Limpopo Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene.
The youngest driver arrested was 22, while the 62-year-old pensioner raised eyebrows for drinking and driving. Traffic officers said this proves that no age group is immune to irresponsible choices behind the wheel.
“The department reminds motorists that road safety is a shared responsibility. Operation Phuza Weekend will remain at high intensity to curb road carnage fuelled by alcohol abuse. Don’t drink and drive,” Chuene warned.
Meanwhile, no incidents related to the ZCC annual Moria City conference had been reported at the time of going to print.
Traffic officers, police, and private security, including wardens, have been keeping a close watch over worshippers, guests, and passing motorists since last week, when the Consecration of the New Year Conference began.
