In South Africa, distracted driving accounts for between 60% and 80% of all car accidents. Among these, 25% of vehicle crashes involve drivers using their mobile phones. South Africa records one of the highest road crash rates globally, with 10,180 fatal crashes resulting in 11,883 deaths in 2023. Of these fatalities, 45% involved pedestrians, 76.5% were male, and 10.2% were children aged 0 to 14 years. Fatalities in the 25 to 39 age group comprised 40.9% of the total. Additionally, 60.4% of road fatalities occurred on weekends from Friday to Sunday.
Data from Discovery Insure indicates that mobile phone use reduces driver concentration by up to 37%. Reading and replying to a text message takes an average of 52 seconds, which at 60 km/h equates to traveling 1 km without visual attention on the road, increasing accident likelihood by four times. Studies show that texting while driving poses a higher risk than driving after consuming the legally permitted amount of alcohol. Mobile phone distractions contribute more to accidents than speeding, with 20 seconds of phone use per trip raising accident risk by over 60%. Claimants in accidents were 52% more likely to have used their phone than to have exceeded speed limits on the day of the incident.
In 2023, distracted driving claims frequency increased 2.6 times compared to 2021, surpassing night-time driving as a leading cause of accidents. Human error factors into eight out of every 10 road accidents in the country. A 2025 report states that 30% of fatal crashes in South Africa result from distracted driving. Other distractions include 52% of accident-involved drivers adjusting their radio and 32% eating or drinking while driving. Reaching for an object makes a driver eight times more likely to crash.
Under South Africa’s National Road Traffic Act, Regulation 308A, no driver may hold a cellular or mobile telephone or any communication device in one or both hands or with any body part while operating a vehicle on a public road. Devices must be affixed to the vehicle or used as headgear without holding to be permissible. Violations can result in fines starting at R500, with penalties varying by city, including possible phone confiscation, license suspension, or criminal charges if injury or death occurs. In Cape Town, motorists face fines and device impoundment for using phones while driving.
For truck drivers, mobile phone use exacerbates risks due to long hours, fatigue, and monotony on the road. A CSIR study identifies mobile phone use as a key problematic factor in truck accidents. In 2023, over 1,300 truck collisions were recorded in South Africa. Many truck accidents occur between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., when fatigue and distractions peak. Truck drivers often engage in unsafe habits such as using mobile phones, skipping pre-trip inspections, or not wearing seatbelts. A related study in a similar context found 13% of truck drivers using mobile phones at the time of near-miss accidents.
Distracted driving, including phone use, links to 60% to 80% of crashes involving trucks and other vehicles.
Officers Wounded in Johannesburg Pursuit Shootout
Johannesburg – Two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers sustained gunshot wounds during a vehicle pursuit in the Langlaagte area on Saturday morning. The incident occurred while the officers were following a Toyota sedan along Main Reef Road.
According to reports, the suspects in the Toyota made an abrupt maneuver, allowing their vehicle to fall behind the police car. As the officers’ vehicle moved past, gunfire erupted from the suspects’ car. One officer suffered a graze wound to the head, while the other was struck in the shoulder.
Both injured officers were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not been disclosed, but they remain under medical care.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the shooting and are actively searching for the suspects involved. No arrests have been made at this time.
Motorist Arrested in KZN for Attempted Bribery of Traffic Officers During Road Safety Operation
In northern KwaZulu-Natal, a motorist was arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers with cash and braai meat. The incident took place during the #NenzaniLaEzweni road safety operation in the uMkhanyakude district.
The motorist was initially stopped by RTI officers from Jozini for exceeding the speed limit and driving under the influence of alcohol. Upon being informed of the arrest, the driver offered R500 to the officers to avoid detention. The amount was later increased to R700, along with an offer of braai meat from the vehicle.
The entire interaction was captured on camera, and the footage is set to be used as evidence in court proceedings against the motorist.
Siboniso Duma, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, commended the officers for their actions. He stated, “We wish to salute our highly motivated and energised team of RTI from Jozini for arresting a motorist who offered a bribe of R700 and braai meat.” Duma further added, “We pause to pay tribute to Ama RTI Amahle for their high level of integrity, commitment, and exemplary conduct in the public service.”
Duma also highlighted the broader context of such incidents, noting, “Good governance partly means that we must reverse the prevailing culture in which bribery is viewed as permissible.” He emphasized the challenges faced by officers amid economic difficulties but praised their adherence to professional standards.
The RTI officers are responsible for enforcing road safety across more than 34,000 kilometers of road networks in KwaZulu-Natal. The department reported the arrest as part of ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure compliance with traffic laws.
Major Bust in Tsakane: 33 Foreign Nationals Detained in Crackdown on Unauthorized Mining
TSAKANE, South Africa – In a coordinated effort to combat unauthorized extraction activities, law enforcement authorities apprehended 33 individuals involved in illicit mining at an abandoned site in Tsakane on the morning of March 5, 2026.
The operation was carried out by members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s Intervention Unit, in collaboration with the South African Police Service’s specialized unit focused on illegal mining, and private security firm Quattro Security. The team targeted the Vlakfontein Old Mine Dumping Site, a location previously identified as a focal point for such unlawful operations.
Upon arrival, the officers executed a strategic approach to interrupt the ongoing mining activities. The suspects, all foreign nationals ranging in age from 18 to 46, were taken into custody after they were unable to present valid identification papers or passports when requested by the authorities.
In addition to the arrests, the raid resulted in the seizure of several pieces of equipment used in the illegal operations. Items recovered included picks, pendukas, water pumps, spades, hammers, and gas cylinders, all of which were confiscated as evidence.
The detained individuals now face formal charges related to unauthorized mining practices as well as breaches of South Africa’s Immigration Act of 2002. Following their arrest, the group was transported to the Tsakane Police Station for processing and holding.
Officials have indicated that the suspects are scheduled to make their initial court appearance at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court in the coming days, where proceedings will address the allegations against them.
This action underscores ongoing initiatives by local and national authorities to address the persistent issue of illegal mining in the region, which poses risks to public safety and environmental integrity.
SPAR Employee Assaulted by Colleague in Bothaville Over Breathalyzer Dispute
Bothaville, Free State – A general employee at a SPAR supermarket in Bothaville was allegedly assaulted by a security manager following a disagreement over a breathalyzer test last weekend.
The incident occurred at approximately 2pm at the SPAR store. Tommy Morapedi, aged 41, who has been employed at the supermarket for five years, refused to undergo the breathalyzer test shortly before the end of his shift. Morapedi questioned why the test was not conducted in the morning, which led to an argument with the security manager.
During the altercation, the security manager shoved Morapedi against store shelves and used pepper spray on him until the canister was empty. The confrontation lasted between 10 and 20 minutes. Both individuals sustained injuries and received medical attention. One staff member was subsequently booked off by a doctor.
Morapedi reported experiencing significant pain from the pepper spray and required stitches for his injuries. He stated that he remains in pain and expressed uncertainty about continuing to work alongside the security manager. Morapedi maintained that he was sober at the time and did not require the breathalyzer test.
On Saturday, Morapedi reported the matter to the Bothaville police station. Police advised him to go home and return when sober. He returned on Sunday to formally open a case of common assault against his colleague. Free State police are investigating the incident, obtaining statements from witnesses, and plan to submit the case docket to court for a decision. No arrests have been made to date.
Police spokesperson Sgt Palesa Thabana confirmed that the investigation involves an argument stemming from the breathalyzer test, during which the employee was accused of being under the influence of alcohol. Morapedi has denied being intoxicated.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) visited the supermarket on Wednesday. EFF representatives demanded the suspension and arrest of the security manager, as well as an apology from SPAR to the community. EFF member Donald Sompane stated that the store informed them the security manager had been suspended on Thursday.
SPAR Group national PR, communications, and sponsorship manager Mpudi Maubane confirmed awareness of the incident. SPAR operates under an independent retailer model, and the Bothaville store’s retailer is handling the matter. The security manager has been suspended pending a full investigation. SPAR stated that it does not tolerate violence, discrimination, or misconduct, and prioritizes the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of employees and customers.
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Two Suspects Apprehended in Enhlanzeni District Kidnapping Incident
In the Enhlanzeni District of South Africa, authorities arrested two individuals on Thursday, March 5, 2026, following a kidnapping that involved a ransom demand. The incident unfolded around 8:00 AM, leading to a coordinated operation by law enforcement.
The suspects, aged 39 and 23, allegedly abducted a victim and contacted the victim’s family to request money. The family initially transferred R1,000, which one of the suspects withdrew in the Matsulu area. Subsequently, an additional R2,600 was arranged to be sent, with plans for it to be collected at a local supermarket.
Law enforcement, including the Anti-Hijacking Task Team Enhlanzeni, Pilgrim’s Rest Illicit Operational Team, and Crime Intelligence unit, executed a tactical takedown. Officers positioned themselves around a complex where the withdrawal was expected. They identified and arrested the first suspect as he attempted to collect the funds. The second suspect was later located and detained in Matsulu A.
Prior to the arrests, the victim had been released near Barberton and was safely reunited with family members. During the operation, authorities recovered the victim’s cellphone from the first suspect, which was seized as evidence.
The two arrested individuals remain in custody for ongoing investigations. They are scheduled to appear before the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Friday, March 6, 2026, to face charges related to the kidnapping.
