Western Cape sees high number of drunk driving arrests

The Western Cape Mobility Department has issued a stern warning to motorists to obey the rules of the road as the province heads into the busy festive season. This follows a sharp rise in drunk driving arrests recorded over the past week.

Between 17 and 23 November 2025, Provincial Traffic Services conducted 168 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checks, and speed control operations across the Western Cape.

During this period, officers stopped and checked just over 30,000 vehicles, issuing more than 9,000 fines for various driver and vehicle fitness violations. They also recorded 200 speeding offences.

According to the department, authorities made a total of 46 arrests, of which 24 were for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Other arrests included

3 × reckless and negligent driving
6 × goods overloading
6 × possession of fraudulent documentation
3 × undocumented persons
1 × willfully damaging or tampering with a vehicle, or throwing an object at a vehicle
1 × bribery
1 × obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of duty
1 × threatening or suggesting the use of violence against a traffic officer

western cape drunk driving

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said the spike in drunk driving incidents posed a significant threat to road safety.

“Driving under the influence will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take decisive action against offenders,” said Sileku

Sileku added that the department is intensifying enforcement to ensure that law-abiding road users can travel safely as we approach the festive season.

Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout echoed the warning, urging the public to take responsibility and avoid alcohol before driving.

Bezuidenhout encouraged motorists to plan ahead by using e-hailing services, appointing a designated driver, arranging overnight stays, or asking someone sober for a lift.

“We urge motorists to act responsibly, respect the law, and help us prevent unnecessary incidents and loss of life on our roads”, said Bezuidenhout