KAROO NEWS - The arrival of a Casspir with armed members of the SANDF at the R61 roadblock outside Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon was seen as a welcome addition to the forces controlling the checkpoint.
There was a steady stream of taxis passing the roadblock from late afternoon, and the joint operation between SAPS (including the public order police), traffic officials, and Department of Transport for law enforcement made sure that no vehicles passed without thorough scrutiny.
The vast majority of these vehicles were taxis taking passengers home to the Western Cape after attending funerals in the former Transkei.
Very few vehicles were traveling towards the Eastern Cape, but occupants of these were subject to assessment by officials from the Department of Health, as well as the law enforcement officers. Emergency Medical Services vehicles were also on standby.
Senior local police officials on the scene were adamant that those without valid permits would be sent back to the funeral venues to get new permits. Fines of R10 000 were being issued to those without the correct documentation to travel.
Most taxis were complying with the regulations regarding the number of passengers, but according to officials, there were also some taking a chance.
For overloading, the drivers were liable for a fine of R2 000 per passenger over the limit.
Provincial Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose admitted that the 48 hour permits would have expired for many of the mourners, as the journey from Cape Town to the Umtata is about 12 hours each way.
An official from the Department of Transport said that they would be prepared to allow people through the roadblock if the permit was only exceeded by a few hours. “We commend the vast majority of travellers for trying to meet the 48 hour deadline,” he said.
Law enforcement officers were kept busy checking vehices returning to the Western Cape.
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