​By Staff Writer
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ms Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has appealed to motorists to exercise vigilance on roads, especially when driving at night following the vandalism of streetlights along major highways in the province.
This comes after criminals were spotted cutting down streetlights along the R24 Road near the OR Tambo International Airport over the December holidays. Other high-risk areas targeted included the R55 Road, M1 between Buccleuch Interchange and Corlett Drive, R82 (Old Vereeniging Road), R23 (Heidelberg Road) and the N12 amongst others.
The MEC has condemned these heinous actions and called on law enforcement agencies to intensify patrols and visibility on all major roads, including those listed as high-risk ones.
"We are deeply concerned and disappointed by these blatant acts of criminality which put motorists in danger of being harmed, injured, and robbed of their belongings due to reduced visibility on the roads". 
She added that "whilst law-enforcement operations will be intensified in these areas, we urge road users to remain vigilant and be alert due to a concerning rise in road spiking and placement of rocks on poorly lit roads where motorists are forced to stop, and risk being robbed and harmed. In some areas, such as the N12, criminals throw stones at passing vehicles forcing the drivers to stop".
The MEC further said the Department is collaborating with law-enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to develop and enhance comprehensive road safety strategies and initiatives to prevent vandalism and improve safety.
She also appealed to communities to assist in the protection of critical road infrastructure. "Road safety is a collective responsibility that requires all of us to play our part in protecting the road infrastructure and reporting any suspicious acts of vandalism to the police". 
"Safety is our priority, and as such, together with various law enforcement, we have heightened operations to protect lives and prevent crime. Law enforcement operations will be intensified to focus on crime prevention on identified high-risk areas prone to criminal activities. Motorists are encouraged to always be vigilant to avoid falling victims on the road, road crashes and fatalities". 
She also indicated the Department's roads maintenance teams were currently on standby to assist with various road infrastructure issues. 
For roads maintenance issues, kindly contact the regional managers:
Benoni (Ekurhuleni): Mr Noble Maleswane (Noble.Maleswena@gauteng.gov.za) - 083 790 9399
Bronkhorstspruit (Tshwane): Mr Oarabile Totwe (Oarabile.Totwe@gauteng.gov.za) - 065 680 8061
Vereeniging (Sedibeng): Mr Herald Mlambo (Herald.Mlambo@gauteng.gov.za) - 060 546 7461
Derdepoort (Tshwane): Mr Lehlohonolo Rakwena (Lehlohonolo.Rakwena@gauteng.gov.za) - 082 939 5869
Krugersdorp and Johannesburg: Ms Bulelwa Thomas (Bulelwa.Thomas@gauteng.gov.za) - 072 061 2595
Members of the public were further encouraged to continue reporting potholes, faulty traffic signals and streetlights on the Department's POTHOLEFIXGP APP available on both Android and IoS.
The Rapid Response Team was also on standby to assist with service delivery-related matters. They can also be contacted on:
1. Sipho Ntombela - 082 521 4084
2. Lenka Folotsi - 072 642 4280
3. ⁠Bongani Mahlangu- 076 407 7027
4. ⁠Daniel Mabona - 073 978 2408