Premier Saul drives traffic law enforcement forward with R10 million vehicle handover

THE NORTHERN Cape provincial government has stepped up efforts to improve road safety with the official handover of 20 new traffic law enforcement vehicles to Provincial Traffic Station Chiefs.

Premier Dr Zamani Saul, alongside the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi, and the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, led the ceremony following the release of the province’s fourth-quarter crime statistics in Kimberley this week.

The new fleet, valued at R10 million, is fully branded and fitted with blue lights and sirens to enhance visibility on the roads and support stricter enforcement of traffic laws. The handover forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen law enforcement and reduce road fatalities and traffic violations across the province.

Premier Saul emphasised the importance of co-ordinated government action to build safer communities, both on the roads and in neighbourhoods. His remarks followed the release of crime statistics showing mixed trends — including a drop in robbery-related crimes, but an alarming 23.1% increase in murder cases, many involving knives and affecting male victims.

He applauded joint law enforcement operations like Shanela and Vala Umgodi, and reiterated the province’s commitment to using both technology and interdepartmental collaboration to fight crime and ensure public safety.