Fourteen pedestrians were arrested during a pedestrian safety operation on the R21 and R23 freeways in Kempton Park on August 13.

According to the EMPD spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa, female officers from its Specialised Services units conducted the operation between 06:00 and 10:00 as part of the department’s Women’s Month programme.

The operation targeted pedestrians who were allegedly crossing or walking along the freeways in contravention of the National Road Traffic Act and related regulations.

Also read: Fatal crash causes major traffic delays at R21 and R24 split

Thepa said the operation was prompted by growing concerns over pedestrian fatalities on Ekurhuleni’s freeways.

“This operation follows a number of fatal crashes involving pedestrians that have been reported on City of Ekurhuleni freeways over the past two weeks,” said Thepa.

The 14 pedestrians, aged between 23 and 45, were arrested and taken to the Kempton Park Police Station. They are expected to face charges relating to unlawful pedestrian access to freeways.

Thepa warned that crossing or walking along a freeway places both pedestrians and motorists at significant risk.

Also read: One dead, one critical in R25 crash near Serengeti Estate

“Drivers travelling at high speeds often have little time to react when pedestrians enter the roadway, increasing the likelihood of serious or fatal collisions,” she said.

The EMPD urged residents to use designated pedestrian bridges and approved crossing points rather than attempting to cross freeways on foot.