As families and friends eagerly awaited Christmas reunions, tragic road accidents claimed several lives in Mpumalanga. Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), confirmed that about 20 fatalities were recorded over the festive period.

MEC Jackie Macie, previously stated that most fatal crashes were the result of excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, reckless and negligent driving, and a blatant disregard for traffic regulations.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga police warn public to stay alert during New Year’s celebrations

One of the most horrific accidents occurred in the early hours of December 27 on the N4 toll road between Machadodorp and Belfast, when two sedans collided head-on. Seven people died, while one occupant survived with serious injuries.

ALSO READ: Deadly N4 crash claims 7 lives near Machadodorp

Another tragic accident claimed the lives of two Icelandic tourists while a third sustained serious injuries. The family was travelling to visit a relative for Christmas, a patient at the Healing Wings Rehabilitation Center in Mbombela. On December 17, their Toyota Fortuner collided head-on with an articulated truck on Schoemanskloof Road, between the Joubert en Seuns Padstal and the Viva Garage. The grandmother and sister were pronounced dead at the scene, while the grandfather was left with serious injuries.

ALSO READ: Two passengers killed in accident in Schoemanskloof

On December 20, three people died in a tragic accident when a minibus taxi lost control, veered off the road, and rolled down an embankment between Kaapsehoop and the Barberton turn-off. Three occupants were declared dead at the scene, while five others were hospitalised with moderate to serious injuries.

ALSO READ: Kaapsehoop crash claims three lives

Despite the high number of fatalities, law enforcement officials worked to uphold traffic regulations, issuing 18 written notices to motorists between December 1 and 20. About 110 motorists were arrested for suspected drinking and driving during this period.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga traffic enforcement issues nearly 18 000 written notices

Police spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula confirmed that Operation Shanela II was a resounding success. Between January 1 and 4, the province saw over 740 stop-and-searches carried out during 527 patrols. In addition, authorities conducted 244 vehicle checkpoints, 19 roadblocks, and a total of 3 684 patrols.