Tragic death of LEAP officer highlights dangers of drunk driving in the Western Cape during the festive season
Lyle Thomas
Image: Supplied
As the Western Cape records a growing number of festive season road crashes linked to drunk and reckless driving, LEAP officer Lyle Thomas has become the latest victim of alcohol-related incidents on the province’s roads.
Thomas (20) was killed in the early hours of Sunday after being struck by a vehicle while assisting at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on Jakes Gerwel Drive. The City of Cape Town confirmed that he was off duty when he stopped to help, and that the driver who struck him was later found to be under the influence of alcohol.
The driver was detained at Samora Machel SAPS.
Thomas’s death comes amid intensified festive season road safety operations across the Western Cape, during which alcohol abuse has again been identified as a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes.
According to the Western Cape Government, between 8 and 14 December 2025, Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement made 119 arrests, 81 of them for driving under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol remains one of the most significant risk factors on the roads, impairing judgement, slowing reaction time and increasing risky driving behaviour.
During the same period, 14 pedestrians lost their lives on Western Cape roads. Pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users, particularly in low-visibility conditions and where alcohol is involved.
More than 200 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations were conducted across the province, with over 44 000 vehicles stopped and checked. Over 7 000 fines were issued for various traffic offences, while more than 250 speeding violations were recorded. The highest speed recorded was 163km/h in a 120km/h zone.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said reckless behaviour continues to place lives at risk during the festive season.
“Alcohol abuse, speeding and irresponsible pedestrian behaviour continue to claim lives unnecessarily, and we appeal to every road user to take personal responsibility so that families are not left grieving during what should be a time of rest and celebration,” Sileku said.
Chief Director for Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, said traffic officers remain visible across the province but warned that enforcement alone cannot prevent loss of life.
“We urge drivers to obey speed limits, never drink and drive, and for pedestrians to remain vigilant, visible and sober when walking near roads,” she said.
Thomas was a Bonteheuwel resident, a member of the Bonteheuwel Neighbourhood Watch and part of the Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP). He is remembered as a disciplined and committed young officer who was deeply invested in the safety of his community.
Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie said Thomas’s death was a reminder of the consequences of irresponsible driving.
“We will never forget Lyle Thomas. His dedication, humility and love for his community will live on, but his death is a tragic reminder of the cost of reckless behaviour on our roads,” McKenzie said.
Thomas' family has requested for privacy during this time.
As festive season travel continues, provincial traffic authorities have renewed their appeal to drivers, passengers and pedestrians to make responsible choices to prevent further loss of life on Western Cape roads.