Urgent call for road safety as Western Cape records 34 fatalities in one week

At least 34 people have died on Western Cape roads in a single week, prompting renewed warnings from authorities as traffic volumes peak during the festive season.

The Western Cape Mobility Department confirmed that 27 crashes were recorded between 22 and  December 28, 2025, with pedestrians accounting for 14 of the fatalities, again highlighting the risks faced by people walking on the province’s roads.

Provincial Traffic Services made 103 arrests during the reporting period. Of these, 73 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 15 arrests were linked to the possession of fraudulent documentation. Officers also recorded 301 speeding offences, including a motorist clocked at 167km/h in a 120km/h zone.

To curb dangerous behaviour, authorities conducted 199 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations across the province. During these operations, more than 32 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, and over 7 900 fines were issued for offences ranging from driver fitness to unroadworthy vehicles.

The department said drunk driving and pedestrian deaths remain the biggest concerns this festive season. It also confirmed that seven cyclists and nine motorcyclists have lost their lives on Western Cape roads so far this festive period, underlining the extreme vulnerability of two-wheel road users.

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said the figures were deeply concerning.

“The loss of 34 lives in just one week is a harsh reminder that unsafe behaviour on our roads has devastating consequences. Far too many of these incidents, particularly those involving alcohol and vulnerable road users, are entirely preventable,” he said.

Sileku urged motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to make responsible choices, remain patient and vigilant, and look out for one another on the roads.

Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout said traffic officers would remain highly visible across the province.

“Our traffic officers remain highly visible across the province, with ongoing roadblocks, speed enforcement and vehicle checks taking place around the clock. But enforcement alone is not enough. Road safety ultimately comes down to individual choices – choosing not to drink and drive, slowing down, and being more aware of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists,” she said.

The department reiterated that zero road fatalities are achievable if all road users play their part, warning that enforcement alone cannot prevent deaths and that irresponsible behaviour continues to cost lives.

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Cape Argus