28 Dec 2022

Members of the public have been warned against drunken driving during the upcoming New Year's festivities.

Officer commanding, District No 17 Senior Superintendent Victor Nlebesi issued this warning following incidents of unacceptable behaviour during Christmas weekend despite police operations in the area.

Social gatherings and Christmas functions during the festive period, he said, increased the likelihood of alcohol and drug consumption, as a result some drivers drive recklessly leading to some serious crashes.
Senior Supt Nlebesi said police registered a number of terrible accidents as a result of irresponsible driving behaviour including driving under the influence of alcohol, which resulted with some victims sustaining serious injuries.
 “We are not happy with the conduct displayed by some drivers, particularly young people. We have observed that drunken driving increased around the holidays as the majority of the culprits were returning from entertainment spots intoxicated. Fortunately there were no fatalities recorded,” he added.
Senior Supt Nlebesi noted that two people were recuperating at JP Kavindama hospital following car crashes on Christmas Day, which left them seriously injured.
A 46-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after she was hit by a bus that was heading to Shakawe from Maun while crossing the road at Nxamasera early in the morning between 4 and 5am. She has been admitted at the hosptial.
In Shakawe, a middle-aged man was smashed by a car while sleeping on a road in the early hours and also sustained serious injuries. He is suspected to have been coming from an entertainment spot.
He appealed to the public to assist with information that could lead to the arrest of the driver, who fled the scene after the accident.
Another accident took place at Kajaja junction along the Shakawe-Gumare road, where a small truck commonly known as matshelonyana veered off the road and all the occupants sustained minor injuries.
Senior Supt Nlebesi warned drivers that police would be increasing their presence over the New Year period, operating random roadside testing in most spots in their jurisdiction.
“As the public prepare to usher in the new year, we intend to increase our patrols and other enhanced enforcement efforts aimed at catching drunk drivers during the holiday season,” he warned.
With alcohol abuse being a major factor in road crashes in the country, Senior Supt Nlebesi said, ‘we will not hesitate to remove impaired drivers from the roads as they pose a serious risk to other road users. Ends