By Marcus Moloko
Johannesburg is bracing for one of its busiest holiday period as Public Safety MMC Dr Mgcini Tshwaku launched a “sweeping” Easter Road Safety Campaign.
The operation promises heightened visibility, tougher enforcement, and a renewed arsenal of resources to keep the city’s roads and communities safe.
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Speaking at the official launch on Wednesday, Tshwaku made it clear that this year’s campaign is not business as usual.
“Accidents are real. Please don’t speed, don’t drink and drive, and take breaks if you are tired.”
The MMC outlined a multi-layered enforcement strategy aimed at drunk driving, speeding, unroadworthy vehicles, and corrupt officials.
“Drinking and driving will not be tolerated. Those who do not comply with the laws will be arrested, and the law will be enforced without compromise,” Tshwaku said.
He said that roadblocks would be intensified across the city, particularly on major routes such as the N12 and highways leading to KwaZulu‑Natal, Limpopo, and cross-border destinations like Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
“We are going to ensure that people driving to their holidays are stopped, searched, and checked for alcohol consumption,” he told journalists.
Tshwaku said that stop-and-search operations would also target vehicles suspected of transporting drugs or engaging in money laundering.
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“Expired discs, invalid licences, and reckless driving will all be dealt with. We know some cars are transporting drugs and money, so we are putting all those things under scrutiny,” he said.
The campaign stretches beyond the highways. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) will conduct inspections at liquor outlets, shut down illegal street gatherings, and monitor events across the city.
Tshwaku said that even religious gatherings would be subject to oversight. “People who are going to be praying at waterfalls or other venues must inform JMPD. We are not stopping them, but we need to ensure order and safety,” he said.
One of the most striking elements of this year’s campaign is the reinforcement of resources.
Tshwaku acknowledged past shortcomings, that officers previously lacked cars, guns, and even proper uniforms.
“When one was deployed by the Economic Freedom Fighters, there were no cars, no guns. Their guides were very limited. We came in and signed contracts. The JMPD has now been given a lot of new cars, fast cars that can chase criminals,” he said.
He added that the city had purchased 800 new guns to ensure officers are properly equipped.
“We had to give them all these tools of trade so they are able to really do their work.”
Uniforms and boots had also been replaced.
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Technology is another pillar of the campaign. The MMC said that the city has upgraded its surveillance infrastructure, increasing the functionality of its camera network from 40% to 80%.
“We’ve managed to partner with the private sector. We now have visibility of plus‑minus 60,000 cameras around the city,” he said.
Smart Poles, solar‑powered poles with cameras and remote monitoring, will also be deployed to enhance surveillance.
“[W]e found that there was a slight increase in drinking and driving. So we’re going to be focusing on that again. We are going to ensure that those who break the law are stopped in their tracks,” Tshwaku said.