Western Cape road death toll hits 28 in first week of December

The Western Cape Mobility Department has reported a tragic start to the festive season, with twenty-eight people losing their lives in road accidents across the province during the first week of December.

A total of 21 fatal crashes were reported between December 1st and December 7th, resulting in 28 fatalities.

The department's statistics show that nearly half of the victims were pedestrians, highlighting a major safety concern. The breakdown of those who lost their lives on provincial roads is as follows: 12 pedestrians, 10 passengers, 3 drivers, 2 motorcyclists and 1 cyclist.

Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, expressed deep concern over the figures, emphasising the critical issue of pedestrian safety and the responsibility of all road users.

"Pedestrian safety remains one of our greatest concerns," Minister Sileku stated. "We urge every road user, whether behind the wheel or walking alongside our roads, to exercise heightened caution. The mental and physical fitness of drivers who are undertaking long journeys is also of paramount importance to reducing the number of incidents."