Macie made the commitment during a stakeholder engagement last Friday, where residents voiced their frustrations over escalating crime in the area and called for immediate intervention. Addressing the gathering, he said the situation in the township could no longer be ignored and required urgent, coordinated action from both government and the community.

“We have gathered here because the crime situation confronting the people of Pienaar demands urgent, coordinated and decisive action. This is not a ceremonial meeting and it cannot become another talk show. It must mark the beginning of a disciplined partnership between government and the people to reclaim this community from violence, fear and criminal control,” he said.

The intervention comes as Pienaar Police Station has been identified as one of Mpumalanga’s top 30 police stations for community-reported serious crimes. Macie said the station would be prioritised under the Police Ministry’s Reset Agenda to strengthen police visibility, crime intelligence, detective services and operations against organised crime.

For many residents, however, the high crime rate has already had a devastating impact on their lives, with sexual violence emerging as one of the community’s greatest concerns.

A 29-year-old mother told Mpumalanga Mirror that her two-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted in 2022, but the case has still not been resolved, leaving her with unanswered questions.
“It’s heartbreaking because, to this day, the perpetrator is still walking freely in our community. I just want justice for my child,” she said.

READ | Rape cases-most problematic in the province

Her experience echoed concerns raised by Mduduzi Mnisi, chairperson of the Zone B Safety Stakeholders, who said residents continued to grapple with housebreakings, car hijackings, gangsterism, extortion and other violent crimes. Resident, Micha Nhleko, welcomed the government’s intervention, but said the community wanted to see action rather than hear promises.

“We are grateful that they came to listen to our concerns, but we need more police visibility,” he said.
Some residents also claimed they had lost trust in the police, alleging that certain officers were working with criminals. Macie said the allegations would be investigated and dealt with decisively.

“An officer who abandons the constitution and assists criminals, ceases to be a protector and becomes part of the criminal threat,” he said. The MEC urged residents to report crime, refuse to harbour offenders and work with the police to reclaim their community.

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Wet and icy conditions on tarred roads make them slippery and difficult to drive on. Visibility is greatly affected, especially at night, making road users vulnerable to avoidable crashes.

As a result, excessive speed must be avoided and switch on lights to be visible to other road users. Drivers should also increase their following distance and, wherever possible, delay or postpone their journeys.

Motorists are further advised to avoid driving through low-lying bridges and flooded areas. Snowfall has been reported on the N11 towards Volksrust and on the N3 in the province towards KwaZulu-Natal.

READ | Extreme caution urged as winter hits SA roads

Other hazardous conditions include misty conditions on some roads during the night and early morning.

No major crashes have been reported so far. However, traffic law enforcement officers and emergency personnel remain on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation.

“Let us be on high alert and adjust our driving in line with these adverse conditions to stay out of danger. We must monitor conditions and remain updated, especially when travelling,” the MEC stated.

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The victims were in a vehicle that was riddled with nearly 40 bullets. The deceased were identified as Remember “Zuzu” Sedibe (29), Alice Mahlangu (19), Xolani Mona (30) and Fana Fana Ngobe.

During his visit to the aggrieved families on Tuesday, July 14, Macie faced a community too afraid to speak out. However, he assured residents that national intervention would help.

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Police have confirmed that 37 murders have been reported in the area since January 2026.

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This was revealed this morning by the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie during the Announcement of the 2024/2025 Festive Season Statistics at the Protea Hotel.

Statistics reveal that between 1 December 2025 and 11 January 2026, the province recorded 733 road crashes, which resulted in 172 fatalities, 129 fatal crashes, 379 serious injuries and 842 slight injuries. Macie expressed concern on the increasing numbers of fatalities, stating that although crashes are lesser, they are far more severe and deadly. Data shows that fatalities occurred mostly in the evenings, over weekends and on known routes such as the N4, N12, R40 and R33.

“The majority of those who lost their lives were drivers, passengers and pedestrians, with the highest number of fatalities recorded among the economically active age groups of 19 to 35 and 36 years and above.”

READ | Nine die in two separate crashes

He also gave a breakdown of incidents in Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts which he described as a “sobering and uneven picture.” Nkangala District recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 69 lives lost, marking an increase of 10 deaths compared to the 59 fatalities recorded during the 2024/2025 festive season period.

Gert Sibande District has also recorded a significant and unacceptable increase, with fatalities rising from 37 in the previous festive season to 56 in the period under review, an increase of 19 lives lost.

He called for intensified law-enforcement operations, stronger inter-departmental coordination, and heightened community awareness interventions.

ALSO READ | Human error cause for high accidents and over 100 fatalities

“These figures reinforce the urgency of strengthening traffic law enforcement, tackling drunken driving, speeding, reckless behaviour, as well ensuring that every road user understands that safety on our roads is a collective responsibility.”
“We also call on passengers to speak out against reckless driving. We call on pedestrians to use designated crossing points and remain vigilant. No meeting, celebration, deadline and destination is worth a human life,” he concluded.

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One occupant remains seriously injured and is receiving treatment at a Belfast hospital.The cause is still under investigation, but preliminary indications point to dangerous overtaking and excessive speed as possible factors.

MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, reiterated the province’s call for motorists to be extremely vigilant, especially at night when visibility is reduced. He also urged drivers to take regular breaks on long trips.

READ | Middelburg crash claims four lives including infant

“We are again appealing to motorists to be extremely vigilant especially at night when visibility is reduced. Roads are shared spaces and drivers must do all in their might to prevent needless loss of life from deadly crashes,” he stated.

MEC Macie extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery.

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Prevalent offences include dangerous overtaking, excessive speeding, failure to wear safety belts, worn-out tyres, faulty lights and others. Approximately 114 000 vehicles were stopped and checked in various operations across the province.

Further 35 410 vehicles went through various weighbridges on various roads across the province. About 400 vehicles were discontinued, while 580 vehicles were impounded for not being roadworthy.

About 110 motorists were arrested for suspected drinking and driving. Most of the offenders have appeared in various magistrates courts. MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, lauded the traffic law enforcement officers and encourages them to continue in the same trajectory to save lives on the road.

READ | Motorists urged to do vehicle check before Easter trips

He again appeals to motorists to be extremely cautious and also obey traffic rules. Motorists are also advised to ensure roadworthiness of their vehicles before commencing with their journeys.

“Every driver must play their part to prevent avoidable crashes. Most of the collissions that we record could have been prevented had greater care been taken. Motorists must plan their trips in such a way that they accomodate additional travel time due to weather and roadworks,” added the MEC.

Meanwhile, a prelinary report indicates that over 95 peope have lost their lives in various road crashes across the province. Most of these crashes were as a result of dangerous overtaking, loss of control of vehicle aand overturning among others.

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The driver allegedly lost control on a curve, causing the vehicle to roll several times. Paramedics pronounced the three male passengers dead at the scene. One passenger was critically injured and four others suffered serious injuries; all were taken to a hospital in Mbombela.

The minibus was reportedly travelling from Johannesburg to Mozambique. Initial indications suggest the driver may have left the N4 toll road at the D799 turn‑off to evade law enforcement. An investigation is underway.

In a separate incident, a mother and child were killed near Delmas on the N12 when a vehicle struck them while they were crossing the road.

MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison,  Jackie Macie, urges motorists to exercise extreme caution, stick to familiar routes and obey traffic laws. “The festive seasoning should be a time for families and friends to celebrate, not to lose loved ones to avoidable crashes,” he said.

READ | Six people killed in Mametlhake crash

The MEC also commended officers who have stopped about 88 000 vehicles, impounded roughly 450 unroadworthy vehicles, checked over 28 000 vehicles (mainly heavy motor vehicles) at weigh bridges and issued more than 14 000 written notices for various offences.

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The graduates include 96 officers whose enrolment at the Mpumalanga Traffic College was abruptly terminated in 2021 following corruption allegations. Provincial government suspended the learnership programme after allegations of misconduct and corruption were levelled against officials, including claims that unqualified students were enrolled.

Consequently, the programme was put on hold and students were sent home, but were given a chance to continue early this year after a thorough investigation, finally completing the 12-month programme.

READ | https://mpmirroronline.co.za/mp-traffic-college-intake-nullified-by-premier/

MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, and Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC, Thulasizwe Thomo handed over certificates to the graduates at the Mpumalanga Traffic Training College’s 6th Passout Parade in Mkhuhlu yesterday, December 18, 2025.

Macie applauded the newly-appointed officers, stating that their appointment is expected to bolster traffic law enforcement in the province and contribute towards the reduction of road crashes and fatalities.

“Today, it’s a proud and significant day for the province of Mpumalanga. We gather here not simply to parade uniforms, but to formally present disciplined and committed public servants, who will serve on the frontline for our road safety, law enforcement and community protection,” said MEC Macie.

In an interview with Mpumalanga Mirror, the graduate traffic officers said the suspension of the programme in 2021 had made their lives difficult. They were unable to secure jobs as they were already on the government system, and it was disheartening to know that some of them had followed the correct application processes.

“Going to college and coming back without completing made us a laughing stock in our communities. But we’re excited that we’ve finally graduated and are ready to serve,” said Lifeman Tibane, one of the graduates.

ALSO READ | https://mpmirroronline.co.za/newly-trained-traffic-officers-to-be-deployed-for-service/

Another graduate, Confidence Mabuza, added: “Our families were expecting us to come home and change our situations, but going back without completing made life tougher. Some of us were drowning in depression, but today I’m feeling proud, even though some of us are over the required age of 35. We’re grateful we got a second chance.”

The graduates will resume their duties in various Cost Centres across the province in January 2026.

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According to reports, the crash happened at about 11h30 when driver of the bakkie that was coming from the direction of Mbombela allegedly lost control of the vehicle and went on the oncoming traffic lanes. It then collided with the other bakkie that was coming from the direction of Emalahleni.

READ | Eight school children die in crash

“Three people, a male driver and two passengers of which one of them was a young boy and the other a female lost their lives on impact. Two young girls who were seriously injured, a male driver and two passengers, a female and a young boy with slight injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital,” said Community Safety spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi.

An investigation on the crash is underway.

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The victims include two passengers and a driver in one vehicle and the driver of a sedan, who was a sole occupant in the vehicle at the time of the crash. There were no other injuries in the incident, and all victims died at the scene. The investigation into the crash has already commenced.

MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie has called on motorists to exercise extreme caution on the road to avoid deadly crashes especially during rainy weather. He adds that the current conditions affect visibility and drivability of vehicles.

READ | Bus crash claims nine lives

“We are therefore calling for heightened vigilance and stricter adherence to the rules in order to avoid devastating crashes. Motorists must operate their vehicles in line with prevailing conditions on the road. They must reduce speed and increase following distances.” said Macie.

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