Serious safety concerns have been raised by the Western Cape Mobility Department as it relates to scholar transport.  

17 vehicles were impounded for un-roadworthiness, overloading and expired permits, while more than 250 fines were issued when schools reopened last week.  

During an operation with City of Cape Town Traffic Services at a school in Mitchells Plain, MEC Isaac Sileku said officials found drivers and learners not wearing seat belts, children being transported in delivery vans and “severe overloading” such as a seven-seater vehicle transporting 23 learners and a 15-seater vehicle carrying 27 learners. 

“We know how important this service is for families, but it must always be safe, legal, and reliable. Transport operators have a legal and moral duty to keep learners safe, and safety works best when every stakeholder, from operators to parents, plays their part,” said Sileku. 

Negligent driver behaviour continued from the Easter period, with 51 people arrested for serious offences between 7 and 12 April, of which 33 were for drunk driving.  

Seven people were arrested for the possession of fraudulent documentation, and four undocumented persons were also taken into custody.  

“On Sunday morning, a minibus taxi driver was arrested on the N1 near Laingsburg for possession of dagga, while another man was arrested on the N2 near Riversdale that evening for allegedly attempting to bribe a traffic officer with R50,” read the department’s statement.  

Furthermore, 18 crashes were recorded during that time, which led to 21 deaths. The fatalities were made up of six drivers, six passengers, five pedestrians, three motorcyclists, and one cyclist.  

“The 33 arrests for driving under the influence shows some drivers are still not getting the message. This behaviour puts lives at risk. Please driver sober and help keep our roads safe,” said Sileku.