KZN traffic operations yield positive results with fewer road fatalities

Motorists passing through the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on the N3 on Saturday were met with a visible presence of law enforcement as part of ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma shared exciting preliminary figures indicating a welcome decline in fatalities compared to the previous year.

He said authorities interacted with motorists along the N3 at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza. 

“Based on our preliminary figures, we have noted a decrease in the number of fatalities compared to 2024. We commend our energised team from Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) for their visibility throughout the corners of the province,” he said.  

Duma also thanked Transport Minister Barbara Creecy for augmenting the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation with a deployment of National Traffic Police. 

He stated that the RTI, National Traffic Police, traffic officers from municipalities, and the SAPS have been implementing operations since December 1. 

“We value the support from the National Traffic Police, SAPS and traffic officers from all municipalities,” he said. 

The MEC gave the following operational report:

• 73,055 cars have been stopped in KwaZulu-Natal.
• 10,953 motorists served with charges for offences, including speeding.
• 773 vehicles have been taken off the road after their suspension.
• 704 motorists were found driving without licences.
• 659 unlicensed vehicles were intercepted.
• Over 500 motorists were arrested for drunk driving.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Minister Creecy gave the mid-term review of the 2025 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, noting a decrease in fatalities and maintaining a positive outlook on current efforts.

“At this stage of the 2025 festive season, preliminary data show that early road fatalities have declined compared to the same period last year. Preliminary reports indicate a 20.9% reduction in fatal crashes and 20.8% reduction in fatalities in the middle of December (December 1-16) following intensified law enforcement, road safety education, and public messaging,” Creecy said. 

“Preliminary reporting confirms that holiday crashes continue to claim lives: in the Western Cape alone, 66 people were killed in 55 crashes in the first half of December.” 

Creecy said Gauteng decreased crashes by 12%, but it remains the highest contributor to the death toll. 

“In Gauteng, 105 people were killed in 95 crashes, in KwaZulu-Natal, it is 88 fatalities in 85 crashes. The Eastern Cape recorded 52 fatalities in 45 crashes, Mpumalanga has 69 fatalities in 50 crashes, North West has 34 deaths in 28 crashes, Limpopo has 40 road deaths in 34 crashes, and Northern Cape has 31 road deaths in 20 crashes,” she said. 

She said the Free State has shown the best performance, achieving a 67.2% decrease in fatalities. Major crashes were significantly reduced from 40 last year to 19 this year, and road deaths dropped from 61 to 20.

“The number of fatal crashes last year at this time is 545, as compared to the 431 we have seen this year. The fatal crashes took 638 lives last year, this time compared to 505 persons this year. This means we have saved 113 lives through law enforcement, awareness and education and should also mention the person-to-person advice on safer road use, which may have had its own share of success on this project,” she said. 

“The average fatalities per day is 32, which is the lowest in five years.”

Despite strong enforcement efforts, Creecy noted that fatalities increased year-on-year in Mpumalanga and Northern Cape, highlighting the persistent challenge of high-risk driving behaviour.

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