Western Cape traffic authorities have arrested 51 motorists for driving under the influence in a week-long crackdown ahead of the busy Easter travel period.
Provincial Traffic Services intensified roadside operations across the province, stopping more than 31,000 vehicles and making 63 arrests for serious offences, including reckless and negligent driving and possession of fraudulent documentation.
The enforcement push comes as authorities grapple with a persistent road safety crisis, with pedestrians continuing to account for the majority of fatalities in the province.
More than half of road deaths recorded earlier this year were pedestrians, according to provincial figures, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing officials as traffic volumes increase over the Easter period.
Among the incidents recorded last week, a minibus taxi driver was arrested after allegedly striking a pedestrian on the N2 near Nekkies in Knysna on Friday afternoon. The driver reportedly fled the scene but was intercepted minutes later.
Public transport violations also raised concern.
In Grabouw, a driver transporting five passengers was arrested for possession of fraudulent documentation, leaving commuters stranded. In a separate incident near Brackenfell, a minibus taxi driver was arrested for drunk driving while transporting 14 passengers to work, forcing the taxi owner to arrange alternative transport.
In Swellendam, a driver was arrested shortly after midnight on Saturday for allegedly failing to stop after a crash that caused significant damage to property and animals.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said the behaviour seen on the province’s roads was deeply concerning.
“The behaviour we are seeing, from drivers who injure pedestrians or animals and flee the scene, to the 51 individuals arrested for driving under the influence, is exactly what our Easter Road Safety Plan is aimed at addressing,” he said.
“This lawlessness often leads to tragic loss of life and will not be tolerated. Our intensified enforcement is focused on these high-risk behaviours to ensure all road users can travel safely during the upcoming holiday period and beyond.”
Authorities have repeatedly warned that alcohol abuse, whether by drivers or pedestrians, remains a major contributor to fatal crashes, particularly during peak travel periods.
The province recorded 26 crashes over the past week, claiming 30 lives.
Pedestrians accounted for 19 of the fatalities, including three deaths on the same road in Parow within days of each other.
A major crash on the R45 between Hopefield and Langebaanweg claimed five lives. Sileku visited the scene on Sunday evening.
Similar patterns have been observed during previous peak periods. During the festive season, dozens of motorists were arrested, mostly for drunk driving, yet fatalities remained high despite intensified enforcement.
During last year’s Easter weekend alone, 11 people were killed on Western Cape roads, according to provincial data, highlighting the risks associated with increased holiday travel.
During the latest operation, officials issued 7,544 fines for driver and vehicle fitness offences, impounded 20 vehicles and removed 148 unroadworthy vehicles from service.
A total of 235 speeding offences were recorded, with the highest speed clocked at 165km/h in a 120km/h zone on the N1 near Beaufort West. The driver was arrested.
Authorities said enforcement would continue throughout the Easter period, urging motorists to drive sober, remain patient and prioritise safety to prevent further loss of life.
Murray Swart
iol.co.za
