The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, has released the road statistics for the 2025/26 festive season.

While the total number of road crashes decreased, the severity of those accidents skyrocketed, leading to a major increase in the loss of life.

The festive season was preceded by extensive strategic alignment within the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) cluster, involving the SAPS, SANDF, and the Border Management Authority, to strengthen the province’s response to high traffic volumes.

“Despite the deployment of Operation Shanela and the first-ever provincial roll-call for traffic officers, the statistics tell a story of irreversible loss,” said Macie.

From December 1 to January 11, Mpumalanga recorded 733 road crashes.

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While this represents a decrease in total incidents compared to the previous year, the human cost was significantly higher:

• Fatalities: 172, an increase of 29 deaths
• Fatal crashes: 129
• Serious injuries: 379
• Slight injuries: 842.

“While crashes may be fewer, they are becoming more violent and deadly. The most affected group includes the economically active population aged 19 to 35. Most crashes occurred between 14:00 and 06:00, particularly over weekends, suspected to be caused by speeding, fatigue, and alcohol abuse,” he said.

In the Ehlanzeni District, fatalities declined from 39 to 33, showing that focused enforcement can yield results.

The Bohlabela District, however, saw a slight increase, rising from 8 to 14 deaths.

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Macie noted that while road safety remains a challenge, Operation Shanela also achieved significant success in broader crime prevention.

Across the province, approximately 2 340 arrests were made. In the Ehlanzeni District alone, there were 506 arrests, including 43 illegal immigrants. The arrests ranged from illegal immigration and illicit trade to drug distribution and violent crime.

The Lebombo Port of Entry also saw heavy activity, processing 783 118 travellers, underscoring Mpumalanga’s role as a strategic hub for regional movement.

To curb further fatal accidents, the department will intensify night-time enforcement and weekend deployments in hotspot areas. However, Macie emphasised that government efforts alone cannot solve the crisis.

“No amount of policing can substitute for personal responsibility; every life saved is a victory for our province. We must choose life over recklessness,” Macie concluded.