Traffic officers to get body cameras

30 Mar 2021

According to transport minister Fikile Mbalula, traffic officers will be issued with body cameras to assist in gathering evidence and improving the conviction rate of traffic law violators.

Source: Mbalula Fikile twitter

Mbalula further announced at the launch of the Easter Road Safety Campaign that the Road Traffic Management Corporation will also be investing in drones, which will reportedly help in identifying hazards on the road.

Traffic officers will now be issued with body cameras to support them in evidence gathering and improve conviction rate for violations of traffic laws. #RoadSafetyWayaWaya https://t.co/rqw5IUygYs pic.twitter.com/RvGH0uZOQO
— |Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) March 29, 2021

"As the Road Traffic Management Corporation rolls out the use of body cameras within the fraternity over the next three to five years, we aim to improve the levels of service and ensure that this is executed to serve and protect our road users," said Magadzi.

This Easter will see increased volumes on the roads and across land borders with neighbouring countries, as citizens and tourists use this period to engage in social, cultural and religious activities.

RTMC will also be investing in drones to assist in identifying hazards on the roads, and to identify motorists who are driving recklessly and at unacceptable high speeds.#RoadSafetyWayaWaya https://t.co/rqw5IUygYs pic.twitter.com/OeY0r7g3Ro
— |Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) March 29, 2021

“The four-day Easter weekend is a period where we lose no less than 230 lives each year. In 2020, despite the hard lockdown and travel restrictions, 38 people lost their lives. “It is important for us to take note that the majority of fatal crashes occur at night. More than 70% of the hit and runs happen at night,” the minister said.