LOOK: KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC issues warning to truck drivers after ‘moving coffins’ impounded
The trucks found not to be in a roadworthy condition
Image: Facebook
Kwazulu-Natal's Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has issued a stern warning to top truck drivers to be compliant with the rules of the road following the arrests of six drivers and the impounding of their vehicles.
The MEC said in a statement, “We wish to announce that six undocumented foreign nationals driving trucks, some resembling moving coffins, have been arrested at Pinetown's Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) Weighbridge.
Tyres in some of the trucks were severely worn.
Image: KZN Transport Department /Facebook
“The trucks have been impounded and kept at our RTI Centre. We continue to heap praise on the Road Traffic Inspectorate for intensifying Operation #NenzaniLaEzweni."
As part of the campaign to curb the number of truck-related road crashes, several stakeholders, including the RTI, police K9 unit and highway patrol, the Department of Home Affairs' Immigration Unit and the Cross Border Road Transport Agency have been embarking on roadblocks to inspect trucks.
Inside one of the trucks stopped by Road Traffic Inspectorate.
Image: KZN Transport Department /Facebook
In recent weeks, more than 100 trucks have been stopped for inspections and several drivers have been interviewed. A Zimbabwean truck driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. In addition to the drunk driving arrest, five undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended for violating immigration laws and presenting fraudulent documents.
Duma said, "While RTI is systematically ending the road carnage, we are also turning our focus on the owners of the trucks.
“We want them to face consequences for employing illegal foreign nationals in violation of immigration regulations and the National Road Traffic Act. RTI is working jointly with the Home Affairs Immigration Unit, SAPS, Durban Metro Police, and other agencies,” he said.