WC Mobility department concerned over a spike in drunk driving arrests

The Western Cape (WC) Mobility Department has raised concern over a spike in drunk driving arrests during the recent payday weekend, as Provincial Traffic Services intensified enforcement operations across the province.

According to the department, 58 motorists were arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol between 20 and 27 April. Of these, 53 arrests were made over the long payday weekend.

Provincial Traffic Services reportedly maintained a high-visibility presence throughout the Western Cape, stopping more than 40,000 vehicles as part of ongoing operations targeting high-risk driving. In total, 77 arrests were made for serious offences during the reporting period.

“The fact that so many motorists spent the weekend behind bars for drinking and driving shows that too many still choose to put lives at risk. Every arrest may have prevented a crash, injury, or death,” said Minister Isaac Sileku , Western Cape Minister of Mobility

In one incident on Saturday, a man was arrested in Knysna after refusing to provide a blood or breath sample when suspected of driving under the influence. In a separate case, a motorist travelling towards Cape Town was arrested for excessive speeding after being recorded driving at 163 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 near Leeu-Gamka.

Authorities also conducted pedestrian safety operations across several towns to curb dangerous road use. A total of 170 pedestrians were stopped for attempting to cross highways where pedestrian bridges were available, including in Somerset West, Caledon, Brackenfell, George, and Knysna.

Additional arrests included nine men and one woman for possession of fraudulent documentation. Two drivers in Grabouw were unable to produce legal documents, while another motorist was arrested at the N7 Vissershok Weighbridge for allegedly evading law enforcement.

“By slowing down and staying sober, we can help protect lives on our roads,” said Isaac Sileku

During the same period, 25 crashes were recorded, resulting in 27 fatalities, including 16 pedestrians, underscoring the urgent need for safer road practices.