Easter weekend road fatalities in the Western Cape show slight decrease

Road deaths declined from 26 last Easter to 22 this year, with a further 23 fatal shootings, six confirmed suicides and one drowning.

The latest and final data provided by the Western Cape Government shows a total of 22 fatal crashes between April 17 and April 21.

The fatalities were 14 pedestrians, five passengers, two drivers and one motorcyclist

The Western Cape Mobility Department’s Provincial Traffic Services conducted 784 integrated operations across the province during this period, including roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations.

During integrated operations, over 30 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, with just over 19 000 fines issued for various offences, 8 714 speeding violations recorded and 226 arrests made, of which 181 were for driving under the influence of alcohol.

“The Western Cape Government is encouraged by the slight decline in road-related fatalities over the 2025 Easter weekend, but continues to urge all road users to make responsible choices on the road, especially as another long weekend approaches. Teams from the Western Cape Government’s Mobility Department and the Department of Health and Wellness were out in full force across the province to assist road users, enforce road safety, and respond to emergencies during the peak travel period,” said the Western Cape Government.

They added that between 7am on Friday and 7am on Tuesday, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) logged a total of 7 988 incidents. 

The most frequent calls were for non-cardiac related pain,  assault-related injuries, transport-related emergencies including 85 pedestrian vehicle accidents, and 104 motor vehicle accidents.

They explained that hospitals across the province also managed high volumes at their emergency centres and that 16 395 patient episodes were recorded over the weekend.

Of these 3 624 were trauma-related cases.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) also responded to a number of fatalities over the Easter weekend, with 23 fatal shootings, six confirmed suicides and one drowning.

Health MEC  Mireille Wenger said: "The sustained demand on our healthcare services highlights the vital role our healthcare workers play across the province - responding with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Each call and each hospital visit represents a person in crisis. We are deeply aware of the emotional and physical toll this takes - not only on our staff, but also on affected families. Preventing trauma is a shared responsibility.  We urge residents to continue practising road safety, avoid abusing alcohol, and treat healthcare workers with respect.  A safer province is only possible when we all do our part. Thank you to our EMS and hospital teams who worked throughout the long weekend, and for the care and commitment you continue to show our residents."

Muneera Allie, Mobility spokesperson, added: “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones who lost someone on our roads this weekend.  While it is encouraging to see a reduction in road fatalities this Easter compared to last year, we must not lose sight of the fact that every life lost is one too many. All road users are reminded that safety is a shared responsibility. Please obey road rules, avoid reckless behaviour, and ensure that you are fit to drive, not tired or under the influence."

Cape Argus