A surge in fatal road crashes across the Western Cape has left 30 people dead over the past week. This has prompted intensified roadside checks by Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services ahead of the Easter long weekend.
30 Lives Lost in One Week
Authorities recorded 26 fatal crashes during the past week, with pedestrians emerging as the most vulnerable road users. Nineteen pedestrians were killed, including three people who died on the same road in Parow within days of each other. A devastating collision on the R45 between Hopefield and Langebaanweg claimed five lives (3 men and 2 women), highlighting the deadly consequences of reckless and unlawful driving.
Deadly Road Crashes Spark Intensified Traffic Crackdown
In response, traffic officers stopped more than 31,000 vehicles across the province, resulting in 63 arrests for serious offences. Among these were 51 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). This is a major contributing factor to fatal crashes. One incident involved a minibus taxi driver who allegedly struck a pedestrian on the N2 near Nekkies in Knysna before fleeing the scene.
A minibus taxi driver was arrested
The driver, who was not carrying passengers at the time, was intercepted and arrested minutes later. In Swellendam, another driver was arrested after allegedly failing to stop following a crash that caused significant damage to property and animals.
Public transport safety was also in the spotlight. A taxi driver transporting 14 passengers was arrested for DUI near Brackenfell. Another driver in Grabouw was arrested for using fraudulent documentation while carrying passengers.
The province’s Easter Road Safety Plan
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said the high number of deaths underscores the urgency of the province’s Easter Road Safety Plan. He warned that behaviour such as drunk driving, hit-and-run incidents and disregard for road laws often leads to tragic and preventable loss of life. Traffic authorities are urging all motorists to obey the law. Please drive responsibly and remember that every reckless decision on the road can cost lives.
