By Kopano Dibakwane
The department of community safety, security and liaison (DCSSL) is calling upon patrons and participants of the eagerly anticipated Metro FM Music Awards (MMA) to obey the rules of the road. The government-endorsed ceremony is scheduled to take place this coming weekend on 6 May in Mbombela and it’s expected to draw people from different provinces, also those who will be coming from neighbouring countries.
DCSSL has acknowledged that the event is a boost for tourism in the province, particularly the city of Mbombela, but also raised concern about high traffic volumes which are likely to increase during the weekend. Law enforcement and other members of the security cluster will reportedly be deployed strategically to ensure the safety of patrons and participants.
Mpumalanga MEC for DCSSL, Vusi Shongwe, urged people to drive with caution in order to avoid crashes. He furthermore reminded all law enforcement officers to show no leniency to those who break the law. According to the MEC, those who will be caught drinking in public or driving while drunk will be arrested.
” While we are all excited and looking forward to this weekend, let us use the road cautiously and enjoy responsibly. We don’t want to see any person losing their lives due to reckless driver behaviour. Roads are shared spaces. Let us all be considerate towards all road users,” said Shongwe.
The MEC reminded liquor traders or tavern owners to comply with the conditions of their licenses.
” Taverns must close and open on time unless temporary permits have been arranged with the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, ” he said.
Shongwe added that members of the public must be vigilant of opportunistic criminals who may prey on patrons. He made an appeal that the police should be alerted about suspicious activities, including people who may attempt to sell fake tickets.
