More than seven thousand motorists face the law

THE five-week Xupifa Eemwenyo road-safety campaign ended on Wednesday, bringing to book 7 667 offenders since the beginning of December.

The annual campaign is an initiative of the Namibian Police Force in partnership with the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, the National Road Safety Council, the Roads Authority and various local council authorities.
According to a press release issued by the Police Inspector General on Friday, 3 214 summonses were issued for speeding, 1 524 for moving violations and 1 191 for driving without a driver’s licence.
In addition, 913 drivers were fined for not wearing seat belts, 314 were arrested for drunk driving, 239 summonses were issued for overloaded passenger vehicles and 94 vehicles were suspended for being unfit for use on public roads.
Deputy Inspector General James Tjivikua commended all stakeholders and staff involved in the campaign, and called upon all road users to adhere to traffic laws and regulations.
He further expressed his condolences to the families of the 70 people who had died in road accidents during the festive season from November 28 2008 to January 14.
The majority of these fatalities occurred in the Omaheke, Erongo and Khomas regions.
A total of 804 collisions were recorded countrywide, involving 1 150 vehicles, 59 pedestrians, and various objects.
In addition to the 70 fatalities, 174 people were seriously injured and 242 slightly injured.
Tjivikua appealed to the public to render the necessary support in ensuring the success of similar campaigns in the future, and reiterated the Police’s commitment to road safety.