Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela is appealing to all road users to exercise vigilance on roads, especially when driving at night following the vandalism of streetlights along major highways in the province.

This after criminals were spotted cutting down streetlights along the R24 Road near O R Tambo International Airport over the weekend. Other high-risk areas that have been targeted by criminals include the R55 Road, M1 between Buccleuch Interchange and Corlett Drive, R82, R23 and the N12 amongst others.

MEC Diale-Tlabela has condemned these heinous actions and called on law enforcement agencies to intensify patrols and visibility on all major roads, including the high-risk ones.

“We are deeply concerned and disappointed by these blatant acts of criminality which put motorists in danger of being harmed, injured, and robbed of their belongings due to reduced visibility on the roads.

“Whilst law enforcement operations will be intensified in these areas, we urge road users to remain vigilant and be alert due to a concerning rise in road spiking and placement of rocks on the roads on poorly lit roads where motorists are forced to stop, and risk being robbed and harmed. In some areas, such as the N12, criminals throw stones at passing vehicles forcing the drivers to stop,” the MEC said.

She further added that the Department is collaborating with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to develop and enhance comprehensive road safety strategies and initiatives to prevent vandalism and improve safety.

“Road safety is a collective responsibility that requires all of us to play our part in taking responsibility in protecting the road infrastructure and reporting any suspicious acts of vandalism to the police. Safety is our priority, and as such, together with various law enforcement, we have heightened operations to protect lives and prevent crime. Law enforcement operations will be intensified to focus on crime prevention on the identified high-risk areas prone to criminal activities. Motorists are encouraged to always be vigilant to avoid falling victims on the road, road crashes and fatalities,” the MEC appealed. 

The MEC has also assured motorists and other road users that the Department’s road maintenance teams are currently on standby to assist with various road infrastructure issues. 

For Road Maintenance issues, kindly contact the below regional managers:

Benoni (Ekurhuleni): Mr Noble Maleswane - 083 790 9399

Bronkhorstspruit (Tshwane): Mr Oarabile Totwe – 065 680 8061

Vereeniging (Sedibeng): Mr Herald Mlambo - 060 546 7461

Derdepoort (Tshwane): Mr Lehlohonolo Rakwena – 082 939 5869

Krugersdorp and Johannesburg: Ms Bulelwa Thomas – 072 061 2595

Members of the public are further encouraged to continue reporting potholes and faulty traffic signals and streetlights on our POTHOLEFIXGP APP

Our Rapid Response Team is also on standby to assist with service delivery-related matters, including:

- Reporting potholes

- Reporting dysfunctional traffic signals

- ⁠Reporting any other infrastructure-related issues.

Contact details are as follows:

1. Sipho Ntombela - 082 521 4084

2. Lenka Folotsi - 072 642 4280

3. ⁠Bongani Mahlangu- 076 407 7027

4. ⁠Daniel Mabona - 073 978 2408

ENDS!!!