As South Africans traveled during the Easter weekend, Mpumalanga became the scene of heartbreak and tragedy, with 18 lives lost in various road accidents since the start of the long weekend. The provincial Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison confirmed the alarming death toll, prompting renewed calls for vigilance and responsible behavior on the roads.
MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, expressed deep concern over the spate of accidents and has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution. “We cannot continue to lose lives in this manner,” Macie said. “It is crucial that all drivers adhere to traffic regulations, avoid reckless driving, and stay sober behind the wheel. These crashes are preventable if everyone plays their part.”
The Easter period is traditionally marked by high traffic volumes, as thousands of people travel across provinces to spend time with family or attend religious gatherings. Unfortunately, it is also a time when road fatalities tend to spike due to increased vehicle activity, fatigue, speeding, and alcohol consumption.
In one of the major incidents, a collision involving a bus and a motor vehicle occurred on the N8 Section 10. Although full details are still emerging, the crash contributed significantly to the rising number of casualties in the province. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Adding to the concern, over 100 people have been arrested for alleged drinking and driving offenses since Thursday. Traffic authorities have stepped up law enforcement efforts, deploying more officers and conducting roadside checks throughout the province in a bid to reduce risky behavior. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that drinking and driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the country.
“We have arrested far too many individuals who think they can drink and still drive safely. This behavior is not only irresponsible, it’s deadly,” said a spokesperson from the provincial traffic department. “Our officers will remain on high alert for the rest of the weekend and beyond.”
The latest string of accidents has added to a troubling pattern in the province. In a separate crash on the R35, a toddler was among three people who tragically lost their lives. Earlier in the weekend, six people died in a head-on collision, further highlighting the devastating impact of road safety violations.
The provincial government is now calling on all road users—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike—to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others. Authorities have promised to continue cracking down on lawbreakers and ensuring that traffic laws are enforced rigorously.
As the Easter weekend comes to a close, the focus shifts to preventing further loss of life and honoring the memory of those who died. The tragedy in Mpumalanga serves as a stark reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility—and one that must be taken seriously at all times.