Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns the wave of violent attacks on traffic testing stations in the Free State. While the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport has issued a statement of outrage, the reality is that these incidents are the direct consequence of ANC failures in budgeting, maintenance, and security.
We unequivocally condemn these attacks, but it is undeniable that the ANC’s neglect and failure to properly fund security left these facilities exposed. Many testing stations in the province were already struggling to function, facing basic shortages such as toner and paper, while others have been shut down for as long as two months.
Since August, testing stations in Heilbron, Marquard, Kroonstad, Lindley, Viljoenskroon, Phuthaditjhaba, Kestel and Virginia have been targeted. Security staff have been attacked, alarm systems have been disabled, documents have been stolen, and facilities have been vandalised, forcing closures that deny residents essential services.
The latest attacks further exacerbate a crisis that directly impacts motorists and transport businesses who wish to comply with the law but are prevented from doing so, placing additional strain on their ability to operate.
The DA will table urgent questions in the provincial legislature and, through the committee, request that a full audit of budgets for security and maintenance be conducted, along with immediate plans to restore safe and functional services at the affected testing stations.