The Western Cape has recorded a disturbing spike in road fatalities, with 21 lives lost in 18 crashes over the past week, despite heightened traffic enforcement efforts. Provincial Traffic Services stopped and checked over 30,000 vehicles during the week-long blitz, resulting in 51 arrests for serious offences, including 33 drivers arrested for driving under the influence.
Enforcement Efforts Intensify
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said enforcement would remain strict as reckless driving behaviour continues to threaten lives on provincial roads. “The 33 individuals arrested for driving under the influence over the past week show that some drivers are still not getting the message,” Sileku said. “This behaviour poses a serious risk and puts lives in danger, which is exactly why our enforcement efforts are focused on it.”
According to the Western Cape Government, traffic officers will continue to act firmly against anyone who drives under the influence or breaks the law. The province has also raised concern over learner transport safety after inspections uncovered serious violations, including overloading and unroadworthy vehicles.
Learner Transport Safety Concerns
During integrated operations with the City of Cape Town Traffic Services, officers found cases where a 7-seater vehicle carried 23 learners and a 15-seater minibus transported 27 learners. A total of 17 learner transport vehicles were impounded during the week for overloading, expired permits, and unroadworthy conditions. “We know how important this service is for families, but it must always be safe, legal, and reliable,” said Sileku.
Transport operators have a legal and moral duty to keep learners safe. The Western Cape Mobility Department said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities and improve compliance across the province. For more information on road safety, visit the Arrive Alive website.
Overall enforcement outcomes included 7,284 fines issued for driver and vehicle offences, 26 vehicles impounded, 143 unroadworthy vehicles removed from service, and 220 speeding offences recorded. The Western Cape Mobility Department urged motorists to drive sober and responsibly as enforcement continues.
- 18 crashes resulting in 21 fatalities
- 33 drivers arrested for driving under the influence
- 51 arrests for serious offences
- 7,284 fines issued for driver and vehicle offences
