KZN Easter safety campaign: Authorities aim to reduce road fatalities by 10%

As thousands of South Africans prepare to hit the roads for the Easter and Passover long weekend, KwaZulu-Natal authorities have declared a state of high alert, deploying over 3,500 officers to curb road carnage and criminal activity.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, launched the province’s road safety campaign at the Umdloti RTI Centre on Friday, signalling a "no-nonsense" approach to law enforcement under the banner of Operation Nenzani La Ezweni.

The provincial government has pulled out all the stops, deploying 3,483 law enforcement officers and 105 national traffic police to man the province’s busiest corridors.

The operation, which will run until May 3, 2026, includes a grueling schedule of:

• 148 multidisciplinary roadblocks.
• 80 roadblocks dedicated specifically to drunk driving.
• 118 speed operations in high-accident zones.
• 17 interprovincial roving patrols.

"We have set ourselves a target of achieving a 10% decrease in road fatalities this Easter," Duma stated. This follows a successful 2025 period where the province recorded a 38% decrease in fatalities.

A key focus of this year’s campaign is the regulation of heavy vehicles. Zibusiso Dlamini, the newly appointed Head of Department, is leading an intensified effort at 17 provincial weighbridges.

Duma revealed plans to modernise these sites, stating, "We want to introduce Artificial Intelligence to automate the weighing process, improve accuracy, and prevent fraud through automated number plate recognition and real-time data analytics."

Already, several trucks have been impounded for overloading and possessing fraudulent registration documents.

In a first for the province, authorities will execute 28 pedestrian enforcement operations. Law enforcement will clamp down on drunk pedestrians walking on busy roads and penalise those who fail to use designated pedestrian bridges.

Duma warned that not only drivers but vehicle owners would be held liable for unroadworthy taxis and buses.

While the police focus on the roads, security experts are urging residents to ensure their homes don't become easy targets while they are away.

Fidelity Services Group has noted that holiday periods often present opportunities for opportunistic criminals when homes are left unattended. Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity, suggests a few "simple checks" to ensure peace of mind.

Tips for Homeowners:

• Avoid sharing travel plans or "countdown" posts on social media until you return.
• Test your alarm system and ensure all sensors are functional well before departure.
• Ask a trusted neighbour to collect mail or move bins to create the impression that the home is occupied.
• Ensure outdoor motion-sensor lights are working; well-lit properties are significant deterrents.
• If teenagers or children are staying home, ensure they know how to use the security system and who to call in an emergency.

"Security is a shared responsibility," says Hattingh. "When communities stay aware and support one another, everyone benefits."

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link  THE MERCURY