Western Cape Issues Stern Warning After 24 Drunk Driving Arrests in One Week
Western Cape transport officials have sent out a strong message to drivers after catching 24 people for drunk driving in just seven days. This comes as the province ramps up efforts to keep roads safe ahead of the busy festive season. From 17 to 23 November 2025, traffic teams ran checks that led to thousands of fines and dozens of arrests, showing the ongoing battle against reckless behaviour on the roads.
The spike in drunk driving cases has raised alarms among leaders, who say it puts everyone at risk. With holidays around the corner, when more people travel and party, officials are stepping up patrols to stop tragedies before they happen. This latest crackdown highlights how small choices, like having one too many drinks, can lead to big dangers.
Intense Operations Yield Shocking Results
Provincial Traffic Services carried out 168 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checks, and speed control operations across the Western Cape during the week. Teams stopped and inspected over 30 000 vehicles, a massive effort to catch rule-breakers early. From these stops, officers handed out more than 9 000 fines for issues linked to driver fitness and vehicle safety, like worn tyres or missing licences.
Speeding was a big problem too, with 200 cases recorded. Breaking it down by areas, some reports show how the offences spread out. For example, in similar recent checks, speeding tickets often pile up in busy zones like the West, South, and Eastern divisions of the province. This time, the focus was province-wide, aiming to cover highways, city streets, and rural routes where accidents happen most.
On top of fines, 46 people ended up in handcuffs for serious offences. The breakdown shows the range of problems officers face: 24 for driving under the influence of alcohol, three for reckless and negligent driving, six for overloading goods vehicles, and another six for fake documents. Three undocumented people were picked up, one for damaging a vehicle or throwing things at it, one for trying to bribe an officer, one for blocking police work, and one for threatening violence against a traffic cop.
These numbers paint a clear picture of the risks on Western Cape roads. Officials say many of these could be avoided with better planning and respect for the law.
Officials Voice Deep Concern Over Rising Risks
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku did not hold back in his response to the arrests. He pointed out the real danger drunk drivers pose to all road users. “Every driver who gets behind the wheel after drinking is a danger not only to themselves, but to every person on the road. As we approach the festive season, we are intensifying enforcement to ensure that law-abiding road users can travel safely. Driving under the influence will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take decisive action against offenders,” Sileku said.
His words echo the worry that comes with the end-of-year rush, when roads get busier and parties lead to more impaired driving. Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout added her voice, stressing how even a little alcohol can cause big trouble. “The high number of drunk driving arrests is deeply concerning. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement and slow reaction times. Our officers will continue to take firm action against anyone who chooses to endanger others by driving under the influence. We urge motorists to act responsibly, respect the law, and help us prevent unnecessary incidents and loss of life on our roads,” Bezuidenhout said.
These statements show a united front from the department, with a promise of tougher checks as December nears. They also remind people that road safety starts with personal choices.
Practical Tips to Avoid Drunk Driving
To help cut down on these risks, officials have shared simple ways for people to stay safe. Planning ahead is key, especially when social events involve alcohol. Drivers are encouraged to use e-hailing services or metered taxis to get home safely. Another option is picking a sober friend as the designated driver for the night.
If staying out late, arrange to sleep over at the place where you are partying. Or, ask a family member or trusted friend for a ride. Most importantly, never get into a car if the driver has been drinking – speak up and find another way.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Sileku added, underlining that small actions from all can save lives. These tips come from years of seeing how preventable most accidents are.
Broader Context: A Troubling Trend in Road Fatalities
This week’s arrests are part of a bigger picture of road dangers in the Western Cape. Earlier in 2025, the province was shocked by 18 deaths in just one week in May, from 16 deadly crashes tied to reckless driving. That event led to calls for stricter rules and more awareness.
Looking back at the last festive season, from 1 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, officials arrested 512 people for drunk driving across the province. That high number shows the pattern repeats each year, with holidays bringing more risks. Nationwide, the 2024/2025 festive period saw 1 502 road deaths, a 5.3% increase from before, with many linked to alcohol, speeding, and fatigue.
In the Western Cape, fatal crashes during that time dropped from 142 to 123, a positive sign from stronger enforcement. But pedestrians often bear the brunt, with the province leading in such deaths for years, according to national stats. Factors like poor lighting on rural roads and busy highways add to the toll.
Recent tragedies, like a fatal overturn on the N2 near Blue Route Bridge in November 2025, where a 25-year-old died after hitting a barrier, highlight ongoing issues. This was the 12th deadly crash on the N2 that year, with eight in the last month alone. These stories show why officials are pushing hard now.
As the festive season starts, the Western Cape Mobility Department plans more operations, working with police and communities. By sharing these stats and tips, they hope to turn the tide and make roads safer for all. Drivers who ignore the warnings face fines, arrests, or worse – the loss of lives that could have been saved.
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