DCSSL priorities pedestrian safety ahead of upcoming long weekends
Authorities ramp up pedestrian safety measures across Mpumalanga ahead of the Freedom Day and Workers’ Day long weekends.
The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) is placing pedestrian safety at the forefront of road safety operations ahead of the Freedom Day and Workers’ Day long weekends.
Authorities said enforcement and awareness campaigns will be intensified during the peak travel periods on April 27 and May 1, when road usage and social activity typically increase across Mpumalanga.
The department highlighted alarming statistics, noting that 55 pedestrians lost their lives on provincial roads during the last festive season. High-risk routes include sections of the N4 through Kaapmuiden, Mbombela, and eMalahleni, Vosman, Middelburg, Belfast and Malelane.
Other dangerous routes include the N12 near eMalahleni and Sundra, the R544 in eMalahleni, the R40 in Bushbuckridge, the R573 Moloto Road near Elukwatini, the N2 in eMkhondo, and the N11 in Volksrust.
In April 2025 alone, seven pedestrian fatalities were recorded over the Easter weekend.
The DCSSL has issued the following safety reminders:
Motorists: Stay alert for pedestrians at all times, especially in built-up areas, near public transport hubs, and on rural roads without pavements. Reduce speed and be ready to stop when necessary.
Pedestrians: Avoid walking on roads while intoxicated. Wear bright or reflective clothing at night, cross only at designated crossings or intersections, and never walk on motorways.
Jackie Macie, MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, urged all road users to exercise caution.
“We want people to enjoy their time off and spend quality time with their families. What often mars these holidays are deadly road crashes, which are mostly avoidable. Let us all obey the rules and be extremely cautious,” said Macie.
The MEC confirmed that law enforcement officers and emergency services will be on high alert.
“Those found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” he added.
Read more here: Church attack suspect set to appear in court after Easter incident
See in a video how the attacker allegedly entered the church and targeted a 71-year-old worshipper as the case heads back to court
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) April 22, 2026
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