The IFP called on Thursday for a lifetime ban of drunk drivers on South Africa's roads.
“It is shocking to note that the festive season is not even officially over and already 1279 people have been killed on South Africa's roads,” Inkatha Freedom Party's spokesman Velaphi Ndlovu said in a statement.
The death toll statistics were released by the Road Traffic Management Corporation on Thursday.
Ndlovu said if people were found driving under the influence of alcohol their licences should be immediately revoked without being renewed or they should not be allowed to apply for new permits to drive on the roads.
On Wednesday, the department of transport said more than 2100
motorists had been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol since December 1.
The IFP welcomed the arrests, but called on traffic officers to stop hiding themselves when monitoring the roads.
“The IFP also calls for an end to traffic officers hiding behind bushes in order to trap speeding motorists...We believe that the public can be better served by traffic officers who are more visible and therefore prevent accidents...” said Ndlovu. - Sapa