KEY POINTS
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Two suspects were arrested at a roadblock in KwaZulu-Natal using the new Ummemezi Wezimoto anti-crime software, which helped detect stolen vehicles and fraudulent permits.
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The technology facilitated the arrest of several violators and the impounding of 13 vehicles during a road safety campaign aimed at reducing Easter traffic incidents.
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Busamed Hospital Group launched a road safety campaign, emphasizing safe driving and health checks, in collaboration with emergency and local stakeholders to reduce accidents during the holiday period.
In a significant breakthrough for road safety enforcement, two suspects were arrested at a roadblock in KwaZulu-Natal, thanks to the newly launched anti-crime technology, Ummemezi Wezimoto.
The roadblock, set up to ensure safety during the Easter period, saw the technology at work at the Mariannhill toll plaza on the N3 near Durban, where law enforcement was actively checking for traffic violations and criminal activities.
Ummemezi Wezimoto, developed by MTN, allows officers to check for outstanding traffic fines, warrants of arrest, and other critical data in real-time.
The technology was instrumental in identifying suspects who had blended into regular traffic and made it difficult for law enforcement to detect their illicit activities.
“The new technology has proven its effectiveness during this road safety campaign, leading to swift arrests and the identification of several serious infractions,” said Siboniso Duma, the KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC.
Improving regional safety through technology
The roadblock was part of a broader initiative to reduce traffic-related incidents during the busy Easter season, when highways are often congested with travelers heading to holiday destinations. More than 1,200 vehicles passed through the Mariannhill toll plaza between 10:00 am and 11:00 am, and more than 270 vehicles were stopped and inspected from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.
According to Sowetanlive, the technology facilitated several key arrests and interventions, including the recovery of a stolen GTI Golf 8, which had been reported missing in Witbank.
The driver was arrested, and a fraudulent temporary vehicle permit was also detected, leading to the arrest of another motorist.
In total, 110 motorists were charged with traffic violations, and approximately 13 vehicles were impounded.
“This software is proving to be a game-changer in our efforts to ensure safer roads and tackle criminal activity head-on,” said Duma.
In addition to the roadblock operation, Busamed Hospital Group launched its own road safety and visibility campaign on the N3, emphasizing safer driving habits amidst severe weather warnings.
In collaboration with stakeholders like Rocket HEMS and N3 Toll Concession, the group aimed to increase awareness of the risks associated with Easter weekend travel.
Taryn Laas, Busamed Group’s marketing manager, explained, “Visible road safety operations, such as the ones we are conducting, have shown to reduce unsafe driving. Drivers are more likely to slow down and concentrate on their surroundings when they see heightened police presence and emergency vehicles.”
The campaign, which also offers health checks to motorists, will continue throughout the holiday period, with additional awareness efforts scheduled for the coming days. The initiative highlights the importance of community cooperation in enhancing road safety and reducing fatalities during high-traffic periods.
