No �intshwarele morena� over festive, police warn
Sharon Mathala | Wednesday December 17, 2014 20:45
Yesterday, police spokesperson, Christopher Mbulawa warned motorists and other offenders to forget about asking for forgiveness from officers or seeking mitigating factors as these would not be taken into consideration.
Mbulawa said historically the festive season is associated with an increase in crime as well as traffic offences, with the latter leading to more deaths on the roads.
“This time around, the police are more determined than ever to reduce the numbers of offences and hence we will have no mercy,” he said. “When you are arrested do not ask for forgiveness because we will not listen.
“It is not that we want to make a profit from the fines. The intention is to make sure everyone abides by the law,” he said.
Mbulawa said police had upped their vigilance against festive crime and road traffic offences and were also conducting vigorous safety and security campaigns.
For his part, Traffic director, Senior Assistant Commissioner Katlholo Mosimanegape said last year a total 411 deaths were attributed to an all time record of 17,200 traffic accidents. Thus far this year, police have already recorded 317 deaths from 13,376 accidents.
According to the police, last year’s festive season was marred by suicide and murder incidents. A record 18 people committed suicide during the festive season with the same number murdered.
On Christmas Day itself, three murder cases were recorded in Khakhea, Sekhukhwane lands in Molepolole and Mosiang lands in Moshupa.