Police and traffic officials in KZN are on high alert as matric pupils finish their final leg of exams and celebrations loom.
In a statement, Transport MEC Willies Mchunu called on matrics to refrain from drinking and driving.
“Often on this day, celebrations marking the end of examination are usually marred by incidents of excessive intake of alcohol and substance abuse which can lead to violence and road accidents,” he said.
Mchunu ordered the traffic officials from the Department’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), municipal traffic officers and Saps to be extra vigilant.
“Law enforcement agencies are on high alert across the province to prevent any unfortunate incidents. We also appeal to learners to refrain from drinking and driving,” he said.
“Safety, be it on the road or in our society, is everybody’s responsibility. The energy of young people is mostly needed for us to reduce the scourge of road accidents and crime.”