MAKHADO – Following several fatal accidents involving minibus-taxis on the region’s roads the past few weeks, local law enforcers are planning a crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles this holiday season.

Accidents involving minibus-taxis saw the death of 19 people the past month and a half. Thirteen people died on October 17 when the minibus-taxi they were travelling in collided with a towtruck near the Baobab Tollgate on the N1 north. On November 5, six people died when the taxi they were travelling in collided with a heavy vehicle near Musekwaspoort, also on the N1 north. The accident on November 5 was caused when the overloaded trailer the taxi was pulling burst a tyre and caused the taxi to swerve in front of the oncoming truck.

This spate of accidents again highlighted the issue of minibus-taxis’ roadworthiness. It gave rise to the local municipality’s decision to hold a crackdown on unroadworthy passenger vehicles.

According to a spokesperson for the Department of Community Services of the Makhado Municipality, the crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles will start on December 1. Law enforcers will be patrolling all roads leading in and out of Makhado (Louis Trichardt).

“We will be implementing an attitude of zero tolerance. If your vehicle is not up to standard, it will be taken off the road, so taxi owners, remember, you have been warned,” the spokesperson added.

Some of the key-defects which will be looked at include worn tyres, brakes, the steering mechanism and driver fitness. A huge number of outstanding warrants for arrest will also be attended to.

He concluded by saying that this special operation is being held to ensure passenger and driver safety, as well as the safety of other road users. However, although emphasis is placed on minibus-taxis, other vehicles are not excluded from the operation. An attitude of zero tolerance will also be implemented regarding offences including drunk driving and speeding.