KEY POINTS
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Two suspects were arrested and multiple traffic violations were detected using the new anti-crime software, Ummemezi Wezimoto, at a KwaZulu-Natal roadblock.
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The technology helped recover a stolen vehicle, uncover fraudulent permits, and led to the arrest of several suspects.
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Busamed Hospital Group launched a road safety campaign to reduce Easter weekend accidents, partnering with various stakeholders to promote responsible driving.
On April 17, 2025, two suspects were arrested at a road safety checkpoint at the Mariannhill toll plaza on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal, thanks to the use of new anti-crime software, Ummemezi Wezimoto.
The software, developed by MTN, was introduced to assist law enforcement in tracking outstanding traffic fines, summonses, warrants of arrest, and other law enforcement functions.
According to Sowetanlive, the software made it possible for officers to identify criminals who blended in with regular traffic during a multidisciplinary roadblock.
The new technology was officially unveiled by KwaZulu-Natal transport MEC, Siboniso Duma, who highlighted its potential in enhancing the efficiency of road safety operations. “Ummemezi Wezimoto is already proving invaluable in our efforts to keep our roads safe. It’s enabling us to detect and arrest suspects swiftly, even among regular traffic,” Duma said.
Successful operations and vehicle recoveries
During the operation, law enforcement officers made several significant arrests and recoveries facilitated by the software.
One of the notable successes was the retrieval of a stolen GTI Golf 8, which was flagged by the software as being reported stolen in Witbank. The vehicle’s driver was promptly arrested.
Additionally, officers were able to detect a fraudulent temporary vehicle permit, leading to another arrest. A total of 110 motorists were charged for various traffic violations, and approximately 13 vehicles were impounded.
Over 1,200 vehicles passed through the Mariannhill toll plaza between 10am and 11am, with more than 270 vehicles stopped for inspection between 8am and 11am. Duma emphasized that law enforcement would remain firm on traffic enforcement throughout the Easter period. “We’ve tasked the Road Traffic Inspectorate team to take strict action against any drivers who violate the rules,” he said.
In conjunction with the roadblock, the Busamed Hospital Group launched its own Easter weekend road safety campaign, aiming to reduce accidents by encouraging responsible driving.
The group, in collaboration with stakeholders like Rocket HEMS and N3 Toll Concession, conducted health checks for motorists and provided reminders about the importance of safe driving, especially during the busy Easter period.
Taryn Laas, Busamed Group’s marketing manager, shared the organization’s goal of raising awareness about road safety. “Visible road safety operations have been proven effective in making drivers more aware of their surroundings and the risks involved,” Laas stated.
The campaign will continue over the weekend, with the group working closely with emergency services, local tow-truck operators, and community policing forums along the N3 route between Johannesburg and Durban.
The Easter weekend has historically seen an increase in traffic accidents, with the number of fatalities on the road rising sharply in recent years. In 2024, 335 deaths were recorded, which represented a significant increase over the previous year.
