The City Mayor, Honourable Cllr X Ngwezi Calls For Compliance From Motorists And The Community

The City of uMhlathuze has officially commenced the festive season safety programme by intensifying law-enforcement operations to safeguard all road users. Over the past weekend, our Traffic Police, working in close collaboration with the KZN Traffic Police, and SAPS conducted targeted roadblocks at Esikhawini, Empangeni, and Richards Bay.

These coordinated operations led to the apprehension of numerous individuals for serious criminal offenses, including driving under the influence of alcohol, unlawful possession of firearms, and drugs. A total of 113 suspects were arrested and subsequently appeared before the Richards Bay Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning.

The City will continue with these enforcement activities throughout the festive season and beyond. Continuous visibility of traffic officers and law-enforcement personnel will be maintained to ensure compliance with the National Road Traffic Act, promote responsible behaviour, and protect innocent road users.

These initiatives form an integral part of the City’s Safer City Crime Prevention Strategy, which prioritises proactive policing, crime prevention, and the protection of public infrastructure. The strategy also targets a wide range of criminal activities, including vehicle hijackings, motor vehicle theft, the trafficking of drugs, and the transportation of illicit goods. Through this approach, the City reaffirms its commitment to a secure, law-abiding municipal environment.

The Honourable Mayor, Cllr Xolani Ngwezi, urges all motorists and community members to adhere strictly to the law during this festive period and beyond. He emphasised that the City has adopted a zero-tolerance stance toward conduct that endangers lives. Any person found contravening the law will be arrested, charged, and prosecuted accordingly.

The Mayor further appeals to all street vendors, reminding them that they too are legally obliged to comply with all municipal by-laws, including trading permits, waste-management rules, and designated trading zones. He stressed that non-compliance will not be tolerated, as maintaining a clean, orderly, and safe city requires the cooperation of every stakeholder.

The City of uMhlathuze remains steadfast in prioritising the safety, well-being, and protection of its residents and all who visit our City.