21 lives lost in 18 crashes despite heightened traffic enforcement in Western Cape

Following 18 crashes that claimed 21 lives last week, Western Cape traffic authorities have ramped up enforcement on provincial roads. From April 7 to 12, 33 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence, and over 30,000 vehicles were checked, resulting in 51 arrests for serious offences.

Provincial Traffic Services stopped and checked more than 30,000 vehicles during the week-long blitz, resulting in 51 arrests for serious offences as the province continues its post-Easter road safety crackdown.

Among those arrested were 33 drivers for driving under the influence, alongside seven individuals detained for possession of fraudulent documentation and four undocumented persons. \

Authorities also reported a series of additional enforcement actions, including the arrest of a minibus taxi driver on the N1 near Laingsburg for possession of dagga, and another motorist on the N2 near Riversdale who allegedly attempted to bribe a traffic officer with R50.

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. 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.

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, recorded 18 crashes resulting in 21 fatalities, including six drivers, six passengers, five pedestrians, three motorcyclists, and one cyclist.”

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 said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities and improve compliance across the province, urging motorists to drive sober and responsibly as enforcement continues.

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