Western Cape authorities issued a stern warning having arrested 24 motorists for drunk driving in a single week as the province intensifies road safety operations ahead of the festive season.
Between 17 and 23 November 2025, provincial traffic services conducted 168 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checks, and speed control operations across the province, stopping just over 30 000 vehicles and issuing over 9 000 fines for various driver and vehicle fitness violations, while also recording 200 speeding offences. Traffic officers made a total of 46 arrests during this period, including 24 for driving under the influence of alcohol, six for goods overloading, six for possession of fraudulent documentation, three for reckless and negligent driving, three for undocumented persons, and one each for willfully damaging or tampering with a vehicle, bribery, obstructing an authorised officer, and threatening a traffic officer.
Western Cape mobility minister Isaac Sileku expressed deep concern at the spike in drunk driving incidents. “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. Authorities will not tolerate driving under the influence, and we will continue to take decisive action against offenders,” said Sileku.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Chief director of traffic management Maxine Bezuidenhout urged the public to take responsibility. “The high number of drunk driving arrests concerns us deeply. 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”, said Bezuidenhout.
Authorities urge motorists to plan ahead by using e-hailing services or metered taxis, appointing a sober designated driver, arranging to stay over where they are socialising, asking a friend or family member for a lift, and refusing to get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Minister Sileku concluded.
