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By 09h00 on the first day of operations, authorities had already inspected 17 buses and minibus taxis in KwaMashu, setting the tone for a major Easter road safety campaign.
A joint operation involving law enforcement agencies is now underway, with increased roadblocks, vehicle inspections and stricter enforcement planned through to 3 May 2026.
What happened
A multi-disciplinary roadblock in KwaMashu, led by Operation Shanela and the Road Traffic Inspectorate, resulted in four vehicles being impounded early in the day.
Officials confirmed that:
- 17 public transport vehicles were inspected before 09h00
- Trucks with overloads and fake registration documents were impounded
- Law enforcement teams will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week
The campaign is being led by newly appointed department head Zibusiso Dlamini.
Why it matters
This is one of the most aggressive road safety operations ahead of the Easter and Passover long weekend.
Authorities are targeting:
- Drunk driving
- Speeding in high-risk areas
- Unroadworthy taxis and buses
- Fraudulent vehicle documentation
- Pedestrian behaviour on busy roads
The goal is clear: reduce road deaths.
Officials have set a target of a 10% decrease in fatalities this holiday period.
What you need to know
Key enforcement measures include:
- 148 multidisciplinary roadblocks
- 80+ roadblocks focused on drunk driving
- 118+ speed operations in high-accident zones
- 17 interprovincial roadblocks
- 91 operations targeting scholar transport
- 28 pedestrian enforcement operations
Authorities also confirmed:
- Unroadworthy vehicles will be removed immediately
- Vehicle owners, not just drivers will be held accountable
- Pedestrians walking drunk on busy roads will face penalties
- Failure to use pedestrian bridges will be enforced
In addition, weighbridge operations are being intensified across 17 provincial sites, with plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence to:
- Automate vehicle weighing
- Detect fraud
- Improve accuracy through number plate recognition and real-time data
What to do next
If you are travelling this Easter:
- Avoid drinking and driving , expect strict roadblocks
- Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and licensed
- Check that your documents are valid and up to date
- Obey speed limits, especially in high-risk zones
- Use pedestrian bridges where available
- Do not walk on major roads while intoxicated
For parents and schools:
- Only use registered and roadworthy scholar transport
- Report unsafe vehicles immediately
Where to get help
If you encounter unsafe driving or unroadworthy vehicles:
- Report to local traffic authorities or SAPS
- Use official provincial transport hotlines where available
Emergency services remain on high alert throughout the holiday period.
