Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has called for drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents to be charged with premeditated murder, arguing that stricter consequences are needed to curb road deaths ahead of the busy Easter weekend.
Addressing a National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) organised labour school north of Pretoria, Creecy said: “It is a known fact that even a small amount of alcohol diminishes your ability to act. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi tells me that in the trauma units of hospitals, 85% of victims and offenders are over the legal blood alcohol limit. I believe if someone drinks, gets behind the wheel of a car and causes an accident in which people die, they should be charged with premeditated murder.”
Her remarks were supported by Martlé Keyter of the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), who said drunk driving and speeding remain the leading contributors to fatal crashes on South Africa’s roads.
“It is a known fact that even a small amount of alcohol diminishes your ability to act. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi tells me that in the trauma units of hospitals, 85% of victims and offenders are over the legal blood alcohol limit. I believe if someone drinks, gets behind the wheel of a car and causes an accident in which people die, they should be charged with premeditated murder,” Creecy said.
Creecy noted that awareness campaigns, increased roadblocks and greater visibility of law enforcement have contributed to a 10% reduction in road fatalities since January.
However, she warned that most fatal crashes still occur at night over weekends when police presence is limited.
“However, the majority of fatal accidents still occur at night over weekends when most law enforcement officers are not on the roads. We need to consider a flexi-shift system to have them on the roads when we need them most,” she said.
With preparations underway for the Easter weekend, a period marked by high traffic volumes due to faith-based gatherings, Creecy said her department would intensify road safety measures, including targeting more than 300 000 unroadworthy vehicles.
“We are trying to find them in the roadblocks,” she said.
She also highlighted pedestrian safety concerns, noting that some people avoid using pedestrian bridges due to crime risks, an issue she said law enforcement authorities must address.
Meanwhile, Nasiphi Moya is set to launch the City of Tshwane’s Easter Weekend Safety Activation, aimed at boosting visible policing, improving response times and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors during the high-traffic period. The initiative will include coordinated law enforcement operations and targeted deployment of officers across key areas.