A collision on Allen Street on Thursday, 10 April 2025, resulted in a Toyota slamming into a VW Polo moments before 8 am, hampering traffic flow as morning commuters made their way to work.
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According to a traffic official at the scene, the incident unfolded as the VW driver proceeded along Allen Street and attempted to turn into Murchison Street.
“While the exact circumstances of the collision still need to be established, the motorist of the VW had attempted to turn into Murchison Street. While he was doing so, the driver of the Toyota, who had been driving into the CBD on Allen Street crashed into him.”
Thankfully, both drivers emerged uninjured. With the Easter weekend nearing, law enforcement agencies are preparing to address an anticipated increase in collisions over the coming days.
On Thursday morning, police officers, RTI personnel, firefighters, emergency medical services, taxi industry representatives, and municipal traffic officials convened as the Newcastle Municipality and SAPS launched their annual Law Enforcement Easter Weekend operation.
At the operation’s launch, Newcastle Municipal Manager Zamani Mcineka told officials that many South Africans recognise road-related problems but rarely identify the underlying causes contributing to these issues.
He cited a recent Zutobi report, “The World’s Safest Roads,” which ranks South Africa as the most dangerous country for drivers, based on five factors: road death rates, speed limits, seatbelt usage, alcohol-related crashes, and drunk-driving laws. South Africa’s position reflects its performance across these metrics.
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Furthermore, Mcineka linked this to collisions in Newcastle and nationwide, stressing the need to confront speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving—particularly cellphone use—and lack of awareness with urgency.
Focusing on alcohol-related risks during long weekends like Easter, he noted, “In terms of alcohol related deaths, with South Africa topping the report’s ranking at just over 50%, it does not take a rocket scientist to see what the problems are.”
The Newcastle Municipality will deploy traffic officials to ensure road safety in the days ahead, working with the RTI, while the SAPS will conduct roadblocks. Newcastle SAPS Station Commander Brigadier Vassie Naidoo stated that efforts would target serious and violent crimes, violence against women and children, and searches for illegal firearms and suspects using holiday traffic to enter Newcastle.
He added, “We will also be enforcing the bylaws, as these have helped in addressing crimes in town, while also focusing on protecting critical infrastructure, while holding daily roadblocks.”
Additionally, Acting Mayor of the Amajuba District Municipality, Councillor Thembelihle Mthembu, emphasised that protecting residents and visitors remains a priority. The District Municipality will support local law enforcement to reduce collisions, roadside fatalities, and crime during this period.
The collective efforts of the Newcastle Municipality, SAPS, and Amajuba District Municipality signals a proactive stance, yet the success of these measures hinges on drivers heeding the call for greater responsibility on the roads.
With road safety a focal point, what are your views on these efforts? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Comments 1
Potholes, potholes, potholes. That is our biggest issue. The potholes are getting so deep it’s becoming a huge Hazzard and someone will be hurt. Forget about the by laws. There should be a by law that states our roads are in riding condition.