By REGINALD KANYANE

10 December 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, said he is concerned about the blatant disregard of basic traffic regulations by road users. Morweng said this comes after the report for the first ten days of law enforcement operations indicated that most moving violations are what should be basic traffic regulations.

He further said the province’s weighbridges have also been at the peak. Morweng added that over 1200 heavy motor vehicles had been weighed so far.

“Of the 5107 vehicles that had been stopped at various operations throughout the province, almost half of the motorists have contravened one or more of the National Road Traffic Act statutes. Some of the violations include common offenses like excessive speeding, failing to obey traffic signs, seatbelt non-compliance and using of mobile phones while driving.

“In the last 10 days, 92 drivers did not have driving licenses, 11 were transporting passengers without Public Passenger Transport Permits, 240 were overloading passengers, 25 were driving unlicensed vehicles and 62 were not wearing seatbelts,” he said.

 Morweng said more drivers are still speeding excessively as 112 were caught by speed cameras since the beginning of December 2025. He said worryingly, 77 drivers were driving unroadworthy vehicles for which 54 fines were issued and two of those were discontinued whilst one was impounded.

 “In total, 829 contraventions were recorded of which either fines were issued or arrests effected. I have directed that there be visibility of law enforcement on all arterial routes coming to or going through the province including local routes which statistics indicate are prone for pedestrian accidents.

 “To ensure visibility is heightened, a 24-hour law enforcement operation on all major roads has been embarked upon. A friendly warning to all who will be traveling to or through the North West is that, we will be welcoming for all who obey the law, but you will find us inhospitable for all those who will be in contravention of any regulation,” said Morweng.

He said the department has purchased 37 new vehicles for traffic officers and will be used to specifically patrol N4, N12, N14, N18, R24, R30, R49, R503 and R510. Morweng said the last quarter of the year has also recorded an increased registration of vehicles.

“From September 2025, registered vehicles in the country stood at 13 646 029 vehicles. Of these, 684 000 were registered in the North West. Added to this, is the expected number of holidaymakers who will be visiting the province as ecotourists. 

“I have implored on all law enforcement officers to be disciplined at all times notwithstanding occasional provocations from some motorists. We are living in a world obsessed with and preoccupied by social media. Many people will be travelling determined to make content for their social media pages out of your behaviour,” he said.

Morweng said many will provoke law enforcement officers, record their conduct and their response to their provocation. He urged the law enforcement officers not to give them the satisfaction and treat everyone with utmost respect.

“During this period, we expect you to resist all kinds of temptations that will present itself to you. During this festive season, when the risks of impaired and reckless driving, speeding, moving violations and driver fatigue will be on the increase, vigilance and dedication and ultimate discipline from you will make a difference.

“We continue to admire your commitment to service, we appreciate your courage and implore on you to ensure South Africans Arrive Alive,” said Morweng.

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