Motorist Arrested for speeding
By Karabo Marifi
A motorist driving at an alarming speed of 209km/h in a 120km/h zone was arrested on Tuesday morning on the N1 freeway near Mokopane, Limpopo. The arrest forms part of intensified efforts by provincial authorities to curb excessive speeding and promote road safety during the busy festive season.
The driver of a white Volkswagen Golf R was intercepted by Limpopo Traffic officials and is currently in detention. Tidimalo Chuene, the spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, confirmed that the motorist will appear in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court soon.
“Our message is very clear as a department: speeding will not be tolerated on our roads. The consequences are severe, so please exercise caution, follow speed limits, and avoid devastating road crashes,” said Chuene.
This arrest brings the total number of motorists caught for excessive speeding in Limpopo to six since the start of December.
Festive Season Road Safety Campaign
The arrest coincides with heightened road safety operations launched across South Africa for the festive season, a time when road traffic volumes peak as holidaymakers travel across the country. Limpopo, particularly the N1 freeway, remains a hotspot due to its role as a major interprovincial route.
Authorities have implemented strict measures to tackle road violations, including:
• Increased Speed Enforcement: Deployment of speed traps and patrols on major highways.
• Roadblocks: Regular vehicle checks for roadworthiness and driver sobriety.
• Awareness Campaigns: Public messaging to encourage safe driving and compliance with road rules.
Despite these measures, speeding continues to be a leading cause of road accidents and fatalities, with Limpopo being no exception.
Tragic N1 Accident Claims Four Lives
Just a day before the motorist’s arrest, tragedy struck on the same N1 route. A horrific crash involving an Audi Sedan and a bus occurred between Sasol Garage and the Baobab Toll Plaza in the Vhembe District, claiming four lives.
The deceased included the driver of the sedan and three occupants. Some passengers on the bus sustained minor injuries and were attended to by emergency services at the scene.
Initial investigations suggest that reckless driving and speeding may have contributed to the crash, though further details are still being gathered by authorities.
This incident underscores the dangers of failing to comply with traffic laws, particularly on high-traffic routes during the holiday season.
Limpopo’s Festive Season Road Statistics
Limpopo, which serves as a critical gateway to other provinces and neighbouring countries, is one of the regions most affected by road fatalities during the December period. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has identified excessive speeding, fatigue, drunk driving, and overtaking in hazardous conditions as major contributors to crashes.
Key statistics from previous festive seasons show:
• Over 1,400 fatalities were recorded across South Africa during December 2023, with Limpopo contributing significantly to the total.
• The N1 and R71 highways are among the most dangerous roads in the province, with frequent reports of speeding and head-on collisions.
Traffic officials have repeatedly urged motorists to exercise patience and caution during their travels.
Government’s Zero-Tolerance Approach
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to road offences. Chuene warned that authorities would not hesitate to act against offenders:
“We are on high alert this festive season. Those who choose to speed, drink and drive, or break traffic laws will face the full might of the law. Lives are at stake, and we will not compromise on road safety.”
Provincial officials have also encouraged the public to report reckless and negligent drivers via designated road safety hotlines to assist in enforcement efforts.
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