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.

The Malachite bird hide has been destroyed in a fire. South African National Parks says the blaze destroyed the Malachite bird hide on the evening of 26 March 2026, in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park. SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson, JP Louw, says the cause of the fire is unknown.

The Malachite bird hide has been destroyed in a fire

He says SANParks rangers and the Wilderness Fire Brigade contained the fire. Louw added that no injuries were reported. He says the cause of the fire is under investigation. SANPARKS says the loss of the Malachite Bird Hide is a setback to the birding community. Lous says it offered a unique opportunity to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

A setback to the birding community

The Malachite bird hide will be closed for birding until further notice. SANParks encourages visitors to use alternative bird hides in the area, including Gallinule Bird Hide and Rondevlei Bird Hide.

Local authorities are appealing to the public to come forward with any information following the latest outbreak in taxi-related violence in Delft.

A 36-year-old man was gunned down on Main Road last night, while two others were left wounded after gunmen opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg says the 36-year-old was declared deceased on the scene.

“Police members attended to the crime scene where they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies. The 36-year-old male was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victims were transported to a medical facility for treatment.”

Twigg says the victims were standing at the office of a taxi association when they came under attack.

“The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. The motive for the attack is believed to be taxi-related.”

 

Delft police have since registered one charge of murder and two counts of attempted murder for further investigation.

As fear and tension continue to grip the community, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.