Two killed, over 120 drivers arrested in Johannesburg over Easter weekend

Over 120 motorists have been arrested for drunk driving in Johannesburg since the start of the Easter long weekend. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) confirmed two fatalities in separate road crashes, one involving a pedestrian and the other a passenger. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla urged road users to exercise caution as operations continue.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) reported over 120 arrests for drunk driving in the city since the Easter long weekend began on April 3, 2026. Two people died in separate incidents: a pedestrian and a passenger in road crashes.

JMPD has intensified stop-and-search operations and roadside checks across all regions of Johannesburg as part of efforts for a safer city. Officers are maintaining a zero-tolerance approach during the holiday period.

Spokesperson Xolani Fihla stated that law enforcement operations would continue throughout Easter. He urged motorists to obey speed limits and avoid alcohol, while advising pedestrians to use designated crossing points and remain visible.

"As we move into the remainder of the long weekend, we urge all road users to exercise extreme caution," Fihla said. "Pedestrians are reminded to remain visible and use designated crossing points, while motorists must adhere to speed limits and avoid the use of alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Our operations will remain in full force across all regions to ensure the safety of our community."

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Transport Minister Barbara Creecy at N1 Kranskop tollgate urging Easter road safety amid heavy traffic.
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Transport minister Creecy urges road safety ahead of Easter weekend

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Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has called on motorists to adhere to road rules ahead of the Easter weekend during a safety inspection at the N1 Kranskop tollgate in Limpopo. She emphasised avoiding alcohol and drugs, obeying speed limits, and ensuring vehicles are roadworthy. Authorities reported heavy traffic on major highways as holiday travel begins.

Road safety operations in Gauteng have been ramped up as the festive season ends and holidaymakers head home. Traffic officers are working with police and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department to manage increased traffic on major routes. Authorities urge caution to prevent accidents amid expected heavy volumes.

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The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department arrested 34 people, including a policeman, teachers and healthcare workers, for drunk driving in eMnambithi on Saturday night. These arrests occurred during road safety operations as holidaymakers returned early from festive breaks. Spokesperson Ndabe Sibiya emphasized that no one, including government employees, is above the law.

As holiday travel intensifies in South Africa, the manager of Johannesburg's Wanderers Taxi Rank has called on drivers to prioritize safety to curb road fatalities. Thousands are departing Gauteng for provinces and neighboring countries, with traffic expected to peak until Christmas Eve. Security measures are in place at the rank to ensure a smooth operation during this busy period.

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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has ramped up efforts to curb non-compliant scholar transport operators in Lenasia as part of a road safety campaign. Several vehicles were impounded, and arrests followed for drunk driving and bribery attempts. This action comes amid heightened concerns over learner safety following a deadly crash.

Police detained around 60 people, mostly youths, during a large drunken gathering on the A6 area in Jönköping on Easter Eve evening. Several assaults and drug offences were reported, and a camper burned in the midst of a crowd of 6,000–7,000. Operations leader Andreas Fyhr described high alcohol levels and much disorder.

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South African police have closed 1,011 illicit taverns and shebeens in the Western Cape since mid-October 2025 as part of the Safer Festive Season operations. Officials destroyed 20,050 litres of seized alcohol in Belhar on December 19. The efforts aim to curb alcohol-related crime and violence, with over 9,000 arrests made.

 

 

 

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