Eight Dead in One Day as 70 Drunk Drivers Busted!

Deadly Sunday Leaves Province in Shock

The Eastern Cape has recorded one of its darkest days on the roads this festive season, with eight people losing their lives in three separate crashes, while 70 motorists were arrested for drunk driving.

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport says the level of lawlessness displayed on the province’s major routes this past weekend is “deeply alarming” and requires urgent behavioural change from motorists.

Five Killed in Horror N10 Crash Near Cookhouse

The most devastating incident unfolded on the N10 near Cookhouse, where five people died in a collision involving two trucks and a bakkie.
Emergency teams worked for hours in scorching heat as the road had to be fully closed to allow for rescue operations, recovery of bodies, and removal of wreckage.

According to authorities, the impact of the crash was so severe that some of the victims were trapped inside the vehicles, requiring specialised hydraulic equipment to free them.

Two More Die in R72 Head-On Collision

Just hours later, tragedy struck again — this time on the R72 near Kidds Beach outside East London.
A sedan and an SUV collided head-on, killing two occupants and leaving others seriously injured. Traffic was heavily affected as responders attempted to stabilise survivors and clear the route.

Police have confirmed that investigations are underway, with early indications pointing to dangerous overtaking or speeding as possible factors.

Hit-and-Run Claims Pedestrian’s Life on N2

In a third heartbreaking incident, a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run on the N2 near Ntabozuko (Berlin) late on Sunday night.
The driver fled the scene, and police are now searching for the suspect vehicle. Officers have urged anyone with information to come forward.

This brought Sunday’s death toll to eight, marking one of the most tragic single-day totals this season.

MEC Nqatha: ‘No Family Deserves This Pain’

Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha expressed deep sadness at the loss of life and extended condolences to all families affected by the weekend’s carnage.

“These crashes are a painful reminder that reckless driving, speeding and alcohol abuse remain the biggest threats to road safety in our province. We call on all road users to act responsibly and value their own lives and those of others. No family deserves to receive a knock on the door to be told their loved one is not coming home,” he said.

70 Drunk Drivers Arrested in One Weekend

Traffic officers arrested 70 motorists for driving under the influence, a figure the Department says is unacceptable given ongoing festive season safety campaigns.

MEC Nqatha saluted first responders for their work:
“We commend our emergency teams for working tirelessly throughout the weekend. We also applaud traffic officers for arresting 70 intoxicated drivers. Their dedication undoubtedly prevented further loss of life.”

Festive Season Operations Intensify

With holiday traffic already building up, the Department of Transport is rolling out stricter roadblocks, speed operations, and vehicle compliance checks on all major routes.

Motorists are warned that:

• Drunk-driving operations will run day and night

• Unroadworthy vehicles will be impounded

• Reckless and negligent driving will carry harsher penalties

The Department says its mission is clear: to prevent further deaths and ensure safer roads for all travellers.