A traffic official is seen testing to see whether a motorist is driving under the influence of alcohol. Picture: Danie van der Lith
CONCERNS have been raised about the preparedness of law enforcement authorities in the Northern Cape as the festive season fast approaches.
A number of traffic officials and SAPS personnel have expressed concern that, in the absence of blood alcohol testing kits, motorists driving under the influence of alcohol in Kimberley and on the Province’s roads might not face any sanction.
"We haven't received any blood alcohol testing kits in a number of months and we are not sure why. We can’t use any of the kits that are in the storeroom as they have all expired,” one local traffic official said this week.
Another official pointed out that since they lack the necessary equipment, they are unable to perform their duties effectively.
"The holiday season is quickly approaching and with it, drinking, partying and drunk driving are all too typical. Since many accidents during this period are caused by drunk drivers, it is our responsibility to enforce the law. However, without blood alcohol kits we are powerless to do so and our only option is to let the motorist go," said the official.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thoko Riet confirmed that there are currently no kits available in the local municipal area.
"Yes, we do not currently have any kits available, and the ones that we do have long since expired,” said Riet.
"We now have 30 expired kits in our store, and while we are currently having trouble obtaining complete kits, we anticipate being able to do so by the start of December," she added.
According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Mashay Gamieldien, the SAPS in the Province recently purchased and distributed crime kits to all stations and units within the Province.
“There are now no expired crime kits because the new kits were issued to all 91 police stations and specialised units in the Province. An instruction was given not to use any that had expired, therefore, fresh ones were obtained instead,” said Gamieldien.
When the DFA asked to photograph the new kits, Gamieldien said that the police could not share images of the crime kits because they had been distributed to police stations and units in the Province.