With the focus on commuter safety, the Emalahleni Local Municipality conducted a comprehensive roadblock this morning.

Not wearing a seatbelt, cracked windscreens vehicles used for public transport not having a fire extinguisher, worn tyres, and driving without a valid driver’s license landed drivers in hot water.

The Mayor of Emalahleni, Clr Vusi Nhlapo, the MMC Community Services Clr Sizwe Buthelezi and the Director of Community Services Selati Matlejoane were on the scene and said that by engaging directly with motorists, the municipality aimed to identify high-risk behaviours that often lead to fatalities.

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During the operation, officers thoroughly inspected vehicles and driver documentation, leading to the issuance of 32 fines for various infractions.

“These enforcement actions are a critical component in the strategy to reduce the number of preventable deaths in the municipal borders,” Buthelezi said.

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The provincial death toll stands at 95

A preliminary report indicated that over 95 people have lost their lives in various road crashes across the province.

Most of these crashes were as a result of dangerous overtaking, loss of control of vehicles, and overturning, among others.

Moeti Mmusi from the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said in the province, Mpumalanga traffic law enforcers have written nearly 18 000 notices to motorists between from December 1 to 21.

Ho Ho Ho – 32 drivers catch an early and expensive Christmas prezzie
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— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) December 23, 2025

Approximately 114 000 vehicles were stopped and checked in various operations across the province.

Weighbridges were also very busy with 35 410 vehicles going through the weighbridges on various roads.

About 400 vehicles were discontinued, while 580 vehicles were impounded for not being roadworthy.

“About 110 motorists were arrested for suspected drinking and driving,” Mmusi said.

Man arrested with a suspected stolen bakkie

Yesterday, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national was arrested at the Middelburg Toll Plaza for possession of suspected stolen property.

Spokesperson from the office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga,  Sergeant Thulisile Magagula said a grey Nissan NP200 with Gauteng registration plates attracted the attention of police at the roadblock.

“During the search, it was established that the vehicle license disc had expired three years ago. Further verification was conducted, and the vehicle was positively identified as stolen. It was reported stolen in Benoni in 2023.”

The driver could not prove it was his bakkie, and he was arrested for possession of stolen property.

He is expected to appear before the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court soon.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie appealed to motorists to be extremely cautious and to obey traffic rules at all times.

READ MORE 5 vehicles stolen in less than a week

Motorists are also advised to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles before commencing their journeys.