Police record 7,926 traffic offences over holidays

Sharon Mathala | Friday October 3, 2014 11:07

 

Director of Traffic, Senior Assistant Commissioner Katholo Mosimanegape, revealed yesterday that compared to last year where they recorded a total of 4,114 offences, this year the number almost doubled.

He said the police began their operations on September 26, 2014 ending yesterday where this record number was reached.

“For fatal accidents we recorded a total of 324, which led to five deaths as compared to 235 last year which ultimately led to six deaths.  This was a decrease as compared to the year passed,” he said.

Mosimanegape also told Mmegi that his department is concerned over the number of cases recorded for over-speeding. He indicated that a total of 2,549 cases were recorded this year alone.

“This violation is also a major concern because over-speeding has the potential to make a motorist lose control, and in losing control they may cause fatal accidents.  Last year we recorded a total of 1,745 such cases, the number this year increased by 804 cases from last year,” Mosimanegape said.

He further said the age group most affected is between 18 and 35 years.

Mosimanegape said this age group is dominant because they are the most mobile. He also said that the A1 road was most affected when it comes to these traffic violations because it is the main road that connects the north and south parts of the country.

Another staggering figure recorded was of motorist driving without licenses, Mosimanegape said. Over 600 were caught driving without licences where he added: “This is one violation that has been giving the police nightmares over the holidays.  We recorded a total of 629, a little under 50 percent increment as compared to last year where we recorded 332 cases.”

Over the long weekend the police said that they removed a total of 3,847 cattle loitering on the road. He said that only one cattle owner was identified and charged for the offence.  As compared to last year the number stood at 2,921 cattle removed from the road.