North West arrests 36 motorists over festive weekend, reports 40% drop in fatalities
Ten motorists were arrested in the North West during the Christmas weekend for attempting to bribe law enforcement officers during intensified festive season roadblocks.
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Twenty-six motorists were arrested for drunk driving in the North West during the Christmas weekend, while a further 10 were arrested for attempting to bribe law enforcement officers, the provincial Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said.
The arrests were made mainly in the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts, amid heightened traffic enforcement operations around Christmas Day.
The department said fatal crashes in the province dropped by 40% compared to the same period last year. Between 20 and 26 December 2024, the province recorded 24 road fatalities, figures recorded during a period of high traffic volumes in the days leading up to Christmas.
Authorities attributed the decline to several intervention measures introduced at the start of December, including increased patrols on identified high-risk routes, particularly from 6 pm onwards.
MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, welcomed the reduction and urged officers to maintain a zero-tolerance approach to traffic offences.
He said while officers would continue to assist motorists travelling through the province, traffic violations would not be tolerated. Morweng also warned motorists to exercise extra caution following recent rainfall, which has resulted in slippery roads and flooding in some areas.
He advised road users to keep a safe following distance, reduce speed and drive according to road conditions rather than posted speed limits.
According to the department, two-thirds of crashes recorded between 20 and 26 December were caused by drivers losing control of their vehicles. Of those who died in road accidents during this period, 90% were men aged between 23 and 48. Excessive speeding, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol were cited as the most common offences.
Morweng also cautioned law enforcement officers to remain disciplined when dealing with motorists, noting an increase in incidents where officers were allegedly provoked and then filmed while reacting.
He said some recordings were shared on social media without context, creating the impression that officers were harassing motorists. Officers were urged to remain calm, professional and to uphold law and order at all times.
Motorists were further advised to plan their trips in advance, allow for delays and reduce speed, particularly during rainy conditions.
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