A total of 29 motorists have been arrested across the Western Cape since Friday as Provincial Traffic Services ramp up high-visibility Easter road safety operations.
The intensified enforcement campaign, aimed at removing unsafe drivers and vehicles from the roads, saw officers stop and check 14 888 vehicles over the past 48 hours.
Drunk driving remains a major concern
Of the 29 arrests, 24 were for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Several arrests were made at key routes, including the R303 near Ceres, where three men were detained at a roadblock. On the R300, three men and one woman were also arrested for drunk driving during separate operations.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku said the continued disregard for road safety laws is deeply concerning.
“These arrests show that some drivers are still putting lives at risk by ignoring the law. Because of these reckless choices, 29 individuals are now spending the long Easter weekend behind bars instead of with their loved ones,” he said.
False documentation and unsafe vehicles flagged
In addition to DUI arrests, officers detained three men for possession of false documents, including two at a roadblock on the R102 near Somerset West.
In Grabouw, another motorist was arrested after failing to produce valid documentation.
Authorities noted that in several cases, drivers were transporting passengers, placing others at risk and turning holiday travel into dangerous situations.
Thousands of offences recorded
Enforcement operations also yielded significant results:
- 642 unlicensed vehicles removed from the road
- 104 unroadworthy vehicles taken off immediately
- 4 054 fines issued
- 235 speeding offences recorded
- 219 cases of overloading identified
Focus on safety during busy travel period
Traffic teams are also running pedestrian awareness campaigns and conducting vehicle inspections to ensure roadworthiness ahead of the Easter rush.
With wet weather affecting major routes such as the N1, motorists are urged to drive cautiously and adapt to road conditions.
Sileku emphasised that enforcement efforts will continue throughout the holiday period.
“We are visible, we are vigilant, and we will act. In wet conditions, there is no room for mistakes. We will continue removing unsafe drivers and vehicles until everyone reaches home safely.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to drive and walk sober, remain patient, and play their part in ensuring safer roads during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
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