33 arrested for driving under the influence as enforcement remains high after Easter period
Provincial Traffic Services maintained high visibility on Western Cape roads over the past week (7-12 April), resulting in 51 arrests for serious offences after more than 30 000 vehicles were stopped and checked. The Western Cape Government takes road safety seriously and will continue implementing interventions and vehicle checkpoints to ensure that road users can travel safely.
Among those arrested were 33 motorists for driving under the influence. Enforcement also led to the arrest of seven individuals for possession of fraudulent documentation and four undocumented persons, including two arrests made on the same road in Thembalethu near George on Friday morning. 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.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said that while operations remain in full effect after the Easter period, some motorists continue to put lives at risk. “The 33 individuals arrested for driving under the influence over the past week show that some drivers are still not getting the message. This behaviour poses a serious risk and puts lives in danger, which is exactly why our enforcement efforts are focused on it. Traffic officers will continue to act firmly against anyone who drives under the influence or breaks the law.”
With schools reopening last week, traffic officers inspected several learner transport vehicles across the province. During an integrated operation with the City of Cape Town Traffic Services and road safety officers at a school in Mitchells Plain on Thursday morning, officers identified serious safety concerns. These included drivers and learners not wearing seatbelts, expired license discs and permits, learners being transported in delivery vans without seatbelt provisions, and severe overloading, with a 7-seater carrying 23 learners and a 15-seater quantum carrying 27 learners.
During the week’s integrated operations, 252 fines were issued and 17 learner transport vehicles were impounded for unroadworthiness, overloading, and expired permits.
Minister Sileku added that learner transport safety must remain a shared responsibility. “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.”
Tragically, the reporting period recorded 18 crashes resulting in 21 fatalities, including six drivers, six passengers, five pedestrians, three motorcyclists, and one cyclist.
Enforcement outcomes:
- 7 284 fines issued for driver and vehicle offences
- 26 vehicles impounded
- 143 unroadworthy vehicles removed from service
- 220 speeding offences recorded
Every stop, arrest, and fine helps make our roads safer. By removing dangerous drivers and unsafe vehicles, traffic officers are protecting communities and saving lives.
Residents and visitors are urged to drive sober, stay patient, and help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.
Media Enquiries
Byron La Hoe
Acting Media Liaison Officer to Minister Isaac Sileku
Western Cape Mobility Department
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za