Authorities in the North West have arrested 26 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol, while another 10 were taken into custody for allegedly attempting to bribe traffic officials. The arrests were made during ongoing festive season operations across the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts.
According to the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, the intensified law enforcement efforts have contributed to a notable improvement in road safety. The province has recorded a 40% reduction in fatal crashes compared to the same period last year. Between 20 and 26 December 2024, 24 fatalities were reported.
Officials attribute the decline to increased visibility of traffic officers, particularly on high-risk routes and during peak evening hours.
MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, welcomed the drop in fatalities but urged motorists to remain cautious, especially amid ongoing rainy conditions that have resulted in slippery and flooded roads. He warned that reckless driving, speeding and drunk driving continue to claim lives, with two-thirds of recent incidents involving motorists losing control of their vehicles. Most of the victims were men aged between 23 and 48.
Morweng also appealed to law enforcement officers to maintain professionalism despite provocation, noting growing concerns about videos shared online portraying officers in a negative light without context.
The province has urged all road users to plan their journeys carefully, reduce speed during adverse weather conditions and comply with traffic regulations to ensure a safer festive season.
