By Kopano Dibakwane
The MEC for DCSSL(Community Safety, Security and Liaison) in Mpumalanga, Jackie Macie, has revealed that over 100 people were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol since Thursday 17 April 2025.
The arrests reportedly took place in various parts of the province as various law enforcement agencies were monitoring traffic volumes at the start of the Easter long weekend.
According to DCSSL, Mpumalanga has recorded about 18 deaths in various crashes that occurred between 17 and 19 April 2025, and more than half of the fatalities were reported in the District of Nkangala.
This includes six people killed in a head-on collision on the N4 Toll Road(between Machadodorp and Belfast) on Thursday, two on the N4 Road near Middleburg, as well another three on the R35 Road between Bethal and Middleburg.
Macie said most of the deadly crashes could drastically reduced if road users prioritise their safety and that of others. He said the arrest of drunk drivers is a crucial step towards ensuring that all road users are safe.
“ We are appealing with every driver to ensure that they use the road cautiously. People must stop overtaking dangerously and driving with excessive speed so that they can safely reach their destinations,” said Macie.
According to DCSSL, traffic law enforcement officers have stopped and checked over 13 500 vehicles since Thursday in various ongoing Easter operations across the province. This also includes over 5000 vehicles going through various weighbridges , and about 2700 summonses issued for various offences.
