Western Cape’s Easter crackdown: 51 arrests for drunk driving

51 motorists arrested for drunk driving as Western Cape ramps up enforcement ahead of Easter, with 30 lives lost in 26 crashes over the past week. Western Cape traffic authorities have arrested 51 motorists for driving under the influence in a week-long crackdown ahead of the busy Easter travel period. Provincial Traffic Services intensified roadside operations across the province, stopping more than 31,000 vehicles and making 63 arrests for serious offences, including reckless and negligent driving and possession of fraudulent documentation.

The enforcement push comes as authorities grapple with a persistent road safety crisis, with pedestrians continuing to account for the majority of fatalities in the province. More than half of road deaths recorded earlier this year were pedestrians, according to provincial figures, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing officials as traffic volumes increase over the Easter period. Among the incidents recorded last week, a minibus taxi driver was arrested after allegedly striking a pedestrian on the N2 near Nekkies in Knysna on Friday afternoon.

The driver reportedly fled the scene but was intercepted minutes later. In Grabouw, a driver transporting five passengers was arrested for possession of fraudulent documentation, leaving commuters stranded. In a separate incident near Brackenfell, a minibus taxi driver was arrested for drunk driving while transporting 14 passengers to work, forcing the taxi owner to arrange alternative transport.

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In Swellendam, a driver was arrested shortly after midnight on Saturday for allegedly failing to stop after a crash that caused significant damage to property and animals. Western Cape Mobility MinisterIsaac Silekusaid the behaviour seen on the province’s roads was deeply concerning. “The behaviour we are seeing, from drivers who injure pedestrians or animals and flee the scene, to the 51 individuals arrested for driving under the influence, is exactly what our Easter Road Safety Plan is aimed at addressing,” he said.

“This lawlessness often leads to tragic loss of life and will not be tolerated. Our intensified enforcement is focused on these high-risk behaviours to ensure all road users can travel safely during the upcoming holiday period and beyond.”

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