MEC MORWENG CONCERNED ABOUT BLATANT DISREGARD OF BASIC TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
MAHIKENG – The MEC responsible for the North West Department for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng is concerned about the blatant disregard of basic traffic regulations by road users. The report for the first ten days of law enforcement operations has indicated that most moving violations are what should be basic traffic regulations.
The Province’s weighbridges have also been at the peak. Over one thousand two hundred (1 200) heavy motor vehicles had been weighed so far.
Of the five thousand, one hundred and seven (5 107) vehicles that had been stopped at various operations throughout the Province, almost half of the motorists have contravened one or more of the National Road Traffic Act statutes. Some of the violations include common offenses like excessive speeding, failing to obey traffic signs, seatbelt non-compliance and using of mobile phones while driving.
In the last ten days, 92 drivers did not have driving licenses, 11 were transposing passengers without Public Passenger Transport Permits, 240 were overloading passengers, 25 were driving unlicensed vehicles and 62 were not wearing seatbelts.
More drivers are still speeding excessively as 112 were caught by speed cameras since the beginning of December 2025. Worryingly, 77 drivers were driving unroadworthy vehicles for which 54 fines were issued and two of those were discontinued whilst one was impounded.
In total, 829 contraventions were recorded of which either fines were issued or arrests effected.
MEC Morweng has directed that there be visibility of law enforcement on all arterial routes coming to or going through the Province including local routes which statistics indicate are prone for pedestrian accidents.
To ensure visibility is heightened, a 24-hour law enforcement operation on all major roads has been embarked upon.
“A friendly warning to all who will be traveling to or through the North West Province is that we will be welcoming for all who obey the law but you will find us inhospitable for all those who will be in contravention of any regulation”, said MEC Morweng.
The Department has purchased 37 new vehicles for traffic officers and will be used to specifically patrol N4, N12, N14, N18, R24, R30, R49, R503 and R510.
The last quarter of the year has also recorded an increased registration of vehicles. From September 2025, registered vehicles in the country stood at thirteen million, six hundred forty-six thousand and twenty-nine (13 646 029) vehicles. Of these, six hundred and eighty-four thousand (684 000) were registered in the North West. Added to this, is the expected number of holidaymakers who will be visiting the Province as ecotourists.
MEC Morweng has implored on all law enforcement officers to be disciplined at all times notwithstanding occasional provocations from some motorists. “We are living in a world obsessed with and preoccupied by social media. Many people will be travelling determined to make content for their social media pages out of your behaviour. Many will provoke you and record your conduct and your response to their provocation. Don’t give them the satisfaction, treat everyone with utmost respect”, said MEC Morweng.
“During this period, we expect you to resist all kinds of temptations that will present itself on you. During this festive season, when the risks of impaired and reckless driving, speeding, moving violations and driver fatigue will be on the increase, vigilance and dedication and ultimate discipline from you will make a difference. We continue to admire your commitment to service, we appreciate your courage and implore on you to ensure South Africans Arrive Alive”, said MEC Morweng.
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