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Crime Reporter
The South African authorities have launched an operation targeting overloaded trailers, buses and unroadworthy vehicles that are heading to Zimbabwe during this festive season to curb road accidents.

Several vehicles have since been impounded.

According to media reports, South Africa’s Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula on Wednesday evening stopped several overloaded trailers heading to Zimbabwe during an operation code named “Operation Malaisha” being conducted in the neighbouring country. The operation, which targeted bus, freight and logistics transportation, was conducted overnight at the weighbridge heading to Limpopo, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

“Here we got a lot of unroadworthy vehicles and some of them weigh more than what is expected. All those vehicles are being impounded,” Minister Mbalula was quoted saying.

He said all unroadworthy and unlicensed vehicles, as well as those without permits, were taken off the road.

“This operation is taking place at night because people think that police are not working 24/7.”

He said no matter the time, unroadworthy vehicles would be found and the law would “descend on you”.

Minister Mbalula urged holiday-makers to abide by the rules of the road.

“Buckle up, don’t drink and drive, and make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy.”