The Western Cape Department of Mobility is appealing to motorists to avoid drinking and driving as the department recorded several deaths on the province’s roads in a one-week period.

At least 20 people tragically lost their lives in 17 separate motor vehicle accidents between 11 and 17 May, during a period of severe weather conditions across the province.

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, has urged motorists to obey the rules of the road, revealing that more than 28 drivers were arrested for drunk driving during the same period.

“Traffic officers arrested 40 individuals for various offences, including 28 motorists arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Among those arrested was a man in Brackenfell on Wednesday after officers found him in possession of 1 076 bundles of Khat with an estimated value of R22 596. On Friday, a man was arrested in Ashton after being found driving a stolen vehicle. On Saturday, a man was arrested in Grabouw after allegedly attempting to bribe a traffic officer with R50 during a routine traffic stop.”

Sileku says the department is working tirelessly to remove unfit and reckless drivers from the province’s roads to improve road safety and prevent further loss of life.

“Every traffic officer on duty is working to help prevent crashes and save lives. We will continue to enforce the law, remove unsafe drivers and vehicles from our roads, and prioritise the safety of all road users. With the upcoming payday weekend, we appeal to residents not to drink and drive and to make responsible decisions for their own safety and the safety of others.”