Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services have sent a clear message to lawless motorists after a massive enforcement blitz resulted in 51 arrests and the removal of over 140 unroadworthy vehicles from the province’s roads this past week.
Despite a staggering 30,000 vehicles being stopped and checked between April 7 and 12, officials expressed deep concern over a persistent culture of recklessness. The operations, which come on the heels of the busy Easter period, revealed a disturbing trend of driving under the influence and “shocking” negligence regarding learner transport safety.
The ‘drunk driving’ crisis
Of the 51 individuals taken into custody, 33 were arrested for driving under the influence. Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku slammed the behaviour, saying that many drivers are still not getting the message.
“This behavior poses a serious risk and puts lives in danger,” Sileku said. “Traffic officers will continue to act firmly against anyone who drives under the influence or breaks the law.”
The arrests weren’t limited to the bottle. In Laingsburg, a minibus taxi driver was caught on the N1 in possession of dagga, while on the N2 near Riversdale, a motorist was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a traffic officer with a mere R50.
School transport ‘deathtraps’
With schools reopening, traffic officers turned their focus toward learner transport vehicles, uncovering what can only be described as “mobile deathtraps.” During an integrated operation in Mitchells Plain, officers were horrified to find:
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A 7-seater vehicle crammed with 23 learners.
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A 15-seater Quantum transport carrying 27 learners.
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Children being transported in delivery vans with no seatbelts or safety provisions.
In total, 17 learner transport vehicles were impounded for being unroadworthy or overloaded. Minister Sileku reminded parents and operators that safety is a “shared responsibility,” calling on all stakeholders to ensure the services used by families are legal and reliable.
The human cost
The week’s enforcement successes were overshadowed by a grim reality on the tarmac. The province recorded 18 crashes resulting in 21 fatalities. The victims included six drivers, six passengers, five pedestrians, three motorcyclists, and one cyclist.
Weekly enforcement at a glance:
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7,284 total fines issued for driver and vehicle offenses.
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143 unroadworthy vehicles removed from service.
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220 speeding offenses recorded.
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26 vehicles impounded.
As the Western Cape Government continues its high-visibility interventions, residents and visitors are urged to stay patient, drive sober, and respect the rules of the road to ensure every journey ends safely.
Weekend Argus Reporter
iol.co.za