KEY POINTS
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Limpopo’s speeding crackdown led to arrests for speeds near 200 km/h.
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Creecy says road deaths dropped by 84 percent in Limpopo.
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Speeding crackdown in Limpopo includes arrests and road vehicle checks.
To reduce careless driving and hold speeding offenders accountable on highways, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has stepped up its efforts.
Speeding crackdown in Limpopo targets reckless drivers on N1
Two drivers were recently arrested by authorities on the N1 near Bela-Bela for exceeding the speed limit and engaging in extremely risky driving.
In a zone that was set for 120 kilometers per hour, officers observed the drivers moving at 198 and 199 kilometers per hour, respectively.
The department verified the arrests and issued a warning that drivers who speed excessively will always face severe legal repercussions.
It said, “On April 27, 2025, a 38-year-old man was arrested for speeding at 198 kilometers per hour while operating a Volkswagen Golf.”
“Police stopped a 29-year-old man driving a Renault Clio at 199 kilometers per hour on the same road one day prior.”
The department said in a statement over the weekend that both individuals were arrested for the night and eventually released on bond.
“If you think you can outrun the authorities, reconsider. The department issued a warning: “Hit the brakes—officers are cracking down on speeders.”
According to Iol, officials reaffirmed that speeding continues to put the lives of law-abiding drivers at peril and is a significant factor in fatal collisions.
Creecy shares Easter safety report showing improved road stats
In the meantime, after a campaign that started on March 20, 2025, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy published the national Easter road safety report.
Law enforcement personnel carried out massive raids on major highways and smaller roads between April 17 and April 21.
During the five-day campaign period, police stopped and inspected 177,584 cars and fined 44,505 for a variety of traffic violations.
For violating fundamental safety and compliance requirements, law enforcement seized 1,536 additional vehicles and halted 2,018 others.
During the traffic checks during the Easter period, police apprehended 941 drivers for operating automobiles while intoxicated.
In high-risk zones close to national routes, authorities also detained 12 pedestrians for jaywalking and 89 drivers for excessive speeding.
In an attempt to thwart justice during operations, eight intoxicated drivers attempted to bribe police officers and were immediately taken into custody.
According to Creecy, the fastest speed ever recorded was 214 km/h in a 120 zone achieved by a driver in Planknek, Limpopo.
This Easter, there were 13 road fatalities in Limpopo, compared to 81 in 2024, indicating a significant improvement in safety.
A driver in Tsolo, Eastern Cape, was apprehended by police after having a breathalyzer reading of 2.38 milligrams, which is nearly ten times the legal limit.
