Tshwane Metro Police arrested 55 people during a weekend road safety operation in Mabopane, including 34 pedestrians who were detained for walking on highways.
The high-visibility crackdown, conducted from Friday to Sunday, 7 June 2026, targeted the N1, N4, and several busy internal routes identified as high-risk areas, particularly during the winter season when visibility decreases and crash risk increases.
According to the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), the operation focused on two primary contributors to fatal crashes: drunk driving and pedestrians walking on highways.
Twenty-one motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after being stopped at various checkpoints and patrols. Meanwhile, 34 pedestrians were detained for walking on highways and major roads, creating dangerous conditions for themselves and motorists alike. The pedestrian arrests outnumbered drunk driving cases recorded during the operation.
“Driving while intoxicated and the presence of pedestrians on highways remain primary contributors to fatal crashes,” TMPD said.
Police confirmed that a zero-tolerance approach will continue, especially as winter travel and upcoming holiday weekends increase traffic volumes across Tshwane.
Residents welcomed the balanced approach, saying enforcement should not only target motorists but also address the growing problem of pedestrians using highways. Community members noted that pedestrian activity on major roads has become a serious safety concern in Mabopane.
TMPD officers indicated that similar operations will continue in identified high-risk areas across Mabopane and the broader Tshwane region.
Motorists have been urged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling and to avoid alcohol before driving. Pedestrians have also been warned against walking on highways and busy roads, particularly during peak traffic periods.
Authorities say the aim of the ongoing operations is to reduce fatalities and improve road safety across the community.
