Durban – Two suspects were arrested at the Mariannhill toll plaza on Thursday thanks to a new crime recognition software, Ummemezi Wezimoto, launched by the KwaZulu-Natal transport department during a road safety campaign.
The software, developed by MTN, helps law enforcement officers swiftly check outstanding traffic fines, summons, and warrants of arrest during vehicle inspections.
According to KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma, the suspects had blended in with regular traffic before being nabbed by officers during the multidisciplinary roadblock.
Other major busts thanks to the tech included a stolen Golf 8 GTI recovered after it was flagged as stolen in Witbank, a fake temporary vehicle permit that led to another arrest, and 110 motorists charged with traffic violations.
Thirteen vehicles were also impounded.
More than 1,200 vehicles passed through the toll plaza between 10am and 11am, with 270 being pulled over and inspected between 8am and 11am.
Duma urged officers to remain firm over the Easter and Passover weekend, which usually sees a spike in reckless driving and fatal crashes.
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“We have mandated our team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate to be firm,” he said.
Meanwhile, private health-care group Busamed launched their own road safety campaign on the N3, partnering with Rocket HEMS, N3 Toll Concession, and East Coast Radio. The campaign included roadside health checks, safety awareness, and support for motorists.
Busamed’s Taryn Laas said the campaign aims to reduce road fatalities, especially after last year’s Easter period saw 335 deaths—a 32.9% spike—with pedestrians making up half of the victims.
“The best deterrent to unsafe driving is reminding motorists of the dangers. When they see cops and emergency vehicles on the road, they slow down,” said Laas.
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