The province officially launched its Easter Road Safety and Law Enforcement operations at the Bapong Traffic Control Centre in Majakaneng on Thursday (4/2), marking the start of heightened monitoring and enforcement across key routes.

The Easter period remains one of the most dangerous times on South Africa’s roads. Last year, North-West recorded 16 road fatalities, a decrease from 26 deaths in 2024. 

Traffic volumes are expected to rise sharply as travellers move between Gauteng and North-West, accompanied by increased use of public transport, higher pedestrian activity, and a spike in alcohol-related incidents, particularly at night.

‘The Easter period remains one of the most dangerous 
times on South Africa’s roads’

Community safety and transport management MEC Wessels Morweng said persistent behavioural challenges continue to drive fatalities.

“The 2025 Easter analysis highlights persistent challenges such as speeding that leads to most fatalities, drunken driving, more so during weekends and evenings, pedestrian fatalities, more in rural areas, and non-compliance by public transport,” said Morweng.

Nationally, road fatalities during the Easter period dropped significantly from 335 in 2024 to 186 in 2025, reflecting a 44.5% reduction. North-West contributed 8.6% to the national fatality figures last year.

Data shows human behaviour accounts for 94% of crashes in the province, with jaywalking and hit-and-run incidents among the leading causes.

Peak accident times are between 18:00 and 20:00, with the highest risk recorded between 19:00 and 20:00. Other contributing factors include poor road surfaces, sharp bends, and inadequate lighting.

The Bojanala Platinum district municipality has been identified as the highest-risk district, followed by Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth Kaunda, both classified as high risk. Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality remains moderate to high risk, largely due to long-distance travel patterns.

Key corridors prioritised

“Our enforcement will prioritise key corridors such as the N4 which carries volumes between Gauteng and Botswana, the N14 through to Vryburg, the R511 linking Brits to Gauteng, and the R30 connecting Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp. These routes account for a significant portion of serious crashes.

“The operations by our law enforcement officers will focus on four critical risk areas: speeding, drunken-driving, public transport violations, and pedestrian safety,” Morweng added.

The launch follows successful roadblock operations conducted in Brits on Wednesday (1/4), which yielded several arrests and fines. North-West police spokesperson Col. Anne Magakoe confirmed that four cases of illegal liquor dealing were registered, while 13 individuals were fined for drinking in public. Five drug-related cases were also opened in terms of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act.

In addition, 20 vehicles and 45 individuals were searched during stop-and-search operations in identified hotspots.

Police and traffic officers will maintain a strong presence through roadblocks, patrols, and compliance inspections throughout the Easter period.

These operations will focus on enforcing key legislation, including liquor, road traffic, firearms, and drug-related offences, as authorities aim to further reduce fatalities and improve road safety across the province.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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