Bojanala Leads in Festive Road Fatalities as North West Records Slight Increase

The North West Province recorded a slight rise in road fatalities during the 2024/2025 festive season, with 100 fatalities from 98 crashes compared to 98 fatalities from 86 crashes the previous year.

MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management Wessels Morweng revealed the statistics today – Monday 27 January 2025 in Mahikeng.

Morweng said Bojanala Platinum District accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 40 deaths from 35 crashes, highlighting its position as a critical focus area for road safety.

Despite this increase, the province remained the second-best performer nationally in terms of the least number of fatalities, with no major crashes involving four or more deaths reported.

“The N4 highway, stretching from Brits to Dinokana, was the deadliest route, claiming eight lives. The N12 between Potchefstroom and Bloemhof recorded five fatalities, while the R24 (Rustenburg to Krugersdorp) and the N14 each accounted for four fatalities,” said Morweng.

District-wise, Bojanala led with 40 fatalities, followed by Ngaka Modiri Molema (27 fatalities from 22 crashes), Dr Kenneth Kaunda (23 fatalities from 20 crashes), and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (10 fatalities from 10 crashes).

Of the 100 fatalities, passengers accounted for the highest share at 38, while drivers and pedestrians each recorded 29 deaths. Additional casualties included three individuals who fell from moving vehicles and one cyclist.

Timing also played a significant role in the accidents, with 61 fatalities occurring at night between 18:00 and 06:00. The remaining 39 fatalities were recorded during the day. Authorities continue to urge road users to avoid traveling after dark to reduce risk.

The MEC said this year, the provincial government adopted a different approach to road safety enforcement, replacing traditional roadblocks with mobile patrols to monitor moving violations. This strategy increased compliance with traffic regulations, especially along critical routes like the N4, where patrols operated for up to 20 hours a day.

However, challenges such as heavy rains and flooding on routes like the N14 near Delareyville, as well as community protests, disrupted some planned visibility operations.

Provincial authorities expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers for their commitment to road safety during the festive season. “While many celebrated the holidays, our officers worked tirelessly under harsh conditions to protect lives,” said a spokesperson.

As the province moves forward, efforts to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities will remain a top priority, with Bojanala Platinum District receiving particular attention as a high-risk area.