A tourist bus veering into a ditch leaving one person injured along Chapman’s Peak and a police officer killed in a collision with a fuel tanker on the R27 are among the 159 transport related incidents traffic teams responded to over the Easter weekend in the Western Cape, which claimed the lives of 11 people.
The numbers are expected to grow as traffic and emergency personnel brace themselves for the rush back home on Tuesday.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku's spokesperson, Muneera Allie, said their data showed 11 fatalities, compared to 26 last year.
“Between 17 and 21 April, preliminary data for Western Cape indicated 10 fatal crashes and a total of 11 fatalities,” she said.
“While we are encouraged by a decline when compared to Easter 2024 for the same period, one life lost is one too many.
"A peak travel period is expected today as travelers return. We urge all drivers to be cautious and patient if encountering a congested area. Together we can return safely home this Easter.”
EMS teams responded to 6 189 incidents between Good Friday and Easter Monday, with 1 110 cases of non-cardiac related pain, 799 cases of respiratory complaints, and 548 assault-related injuries.
Provincial Health Department spokesperson, Dwayne Evans, said 159 cases were linked to traffic and transport related accidents, with 72 pedestrian vehicle accidents, 82 motor vehicle accidents, and five incidents involving cyclists.
Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, reported a significant decrease in road crashes and fatalities nationally over the Easter long weekend, based on preliminary data.
IOL reported that all provinces except Mpumalanga showed a decrease, with Limpopo leading the pack.
A total of 70 000 vehicles were stopped, 21 000 traffic fines issued, and 512 arrests made for various offences.
The highest number of drunk drivers was in the Eastern Cape, with one person arrested for being 10 times over the legal limit. Since March 20, 782 000 vehicles have been stopped, 116 000 fines issued, and 3 500 drivers arrested.
A total of 89 pedestrians were also arrested for walking on highways, and 2 200 unroadworthy vehicles were prevented from continuing their journey.
At one of the latest scenes along Chapman’s Peak, emergency teams responded to a bus used to transport tourists that landed in a ditch and left one person injured.
“This occurred at 10:03am, Traffic Services was at the scene, with one serious injury. The scene was cleared at 1:11pm,” Creecy said.
It is unclear whether there were any passengers in the bus.
On Friday, along the R27, a collision occurred between Yzerfontein and Langebaan between a light motor vehicle and a fuel tanker and left the police officer, stationed at Sea Border Police in Saldanha Bay, dead.
Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, confirmed the officer’s death.
“Langebaan police registered a culpable homicide case for investigation following a fatal crash between a light motor vehicle and a petrol tanker on April 18, 2025, on the R27 between Yzerfontein and Langebaan.
“A 43-year-old male was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the driver of the truck received treatment for minor injuries. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
“The deceased is a member of the South African Police Service and was stationed at Sea Border Police in Saldanha Bay.”
Evans said while they were prepared for the Easter weekend incidents, they cautioned people to take care while off or on the roads.
“Every call and every presentation represents a person in distress. We remain mindful of the weight carried by both our staff and the families affected during this time.
“Preventing trauma is a shared responsibility. We also appeal to residents to continue practicing road safety, responsible alcohol use, and respectful engagement with healthcare workers. A safer province is only possible when we work together.”
Maxine Bezuidenhout, for the City’s Traffic, said they remained on high alert as the weekend drew to a close.
“Motorists are reminded that we are conducting speed checks as well as vehicle checkpoints – officers are also deployed along the major arterials to lend assistance,” she said.
“Stick to the speed limit, exercise patience and caution, and ensure that everyone in your vehicle is strapped in.
“Please also be on the lookout for pedestrians or other obstructions – we’ve had numerous pedestrian accidents this weekend … if you are walking, make sure you face oncoming traffic and are visible, and only cross roads where it is safe to do so.”
Cape Argus