The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has reported a decline in road fatalities over the Easter weekend, marking a welcome improvement in comparison to the same period last year.
Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya attributed the drop in fatalities to a co-ordinated road safety campaign led by disaster management teams and traffic enforcement officials. These teams were strategically stationed along busy routes such as the N3 northbound and at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza.
Speaking at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on Monday, Sibiya said the campaign was boosted by the visible presence of the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Siboniso Duma.
“Last night and this morning, the MEC spoke to me and expressed his deep appreciation to the motorists. He also saluted the highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate, working in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and national authorities,” said Mr Sibiya.
The operation saw the deployment of approximately 120 traffic officers across key corridors such as the N2 and N3. These teams employed high-tech surveillance tools, including uMemezi Wezimoto, an anti-crime software solution launched by Mr Duma on Good Friday.
“We’ve been able to detect motorists masquerading as worshippers to avoid checkpoints,” Sibiya said. “About 77 vehicles were impounded for operating without valid permits, 258 motorists were charged for speeding, and 13 individuals were arrested for drinking and driving,” he said.
He added that tougher legal consequences were now being applied to those flouting the law. “The MEC said we are aiming for six-year prison sentences, leveraging the amended National Road Traffic Act to ensure that offenders face serious consequences.”
Mr Sibiya confirmed that more than 15 600 vehicles were stopped and checked over the Easter weekend. The province recorded only six fatalities this year, a marked decrease from the 21 deaths reported during the same period in 2024.
“We are quite pleased with the execution of this road safety campaign,” he said.
Looking ahead, Sibiya announced that heightened enforcement would continue over the upcoming public holidays, including Freedom Day on April 28 and Workers’ Day on May 1. Key areas of focus will remain on unlicensed vehicles, roadworthiness, and incidents of drinking and driving.
“We don’t want moving coffins on our roads,” Sibiya warned. “We’ve been extremely strict, and that’s why the MEC has extended his gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the road safety campaign.”