Road Traffic Inspectorate's crackdown on drunk driving leads to 226 arrests in KwaZulu-Natal

In their bid to enhance road safety, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) maintained their focus on combating drunk driving throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

The RTI's latest operation resulted in the arrest of 226 motorists, in the areas of Esikhawini, Empangeni, and Richards Bay, which highlighted the inspectorate's ongoing efforts to install law and order, especially with the holiday season nearing.

Between Friday 6pm and 10am on Saturday, 113 motorists were arrested and a further 113 offenders were nabbed in the early hours of Sunday.

MEC Siboniso Duma stated that the number of arrests was a concerning trend, with areas like Richards Bay (60), Esikhaleni (60), and 23 in Empangeni leading with arrest numbers.

“The scale of this operation has gained traction thanks to the #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign, which has been widely welcomed by the community as it targets reckless driving behaviour.

"Statistics also indicated a marked decrease in fatalities over the last three months, with a comparison to the same timeframe in 2023 suggesting the effectiveness of the RTI’s intensified efforts.

"A total of 1,326 drunken drivers have been arrested since the campaign's launch on August 15,” Duma added.

Among those apprehended in recent operations were not only civilians but also various professionals, including a truck driver, a doctor, a police officer, a correctional services officer, a firefighter, a pastor, two educators, and a student was arrested for assaulting a traffic officer.

The diversity among the offenders raised concerns around the societal impact of drunk driving and has called for collective action against it.

According to Duma, the RTI has also successfully served a number of charges, collecting R40,000 in speed fines, R5,300 from summons served, and additional charges totalling R15,800.

“The support from various government sectors, particularly from MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane, has been crucial in deploying health professionals for blood testing management during these operations.

"The ongoing collaboration with Provincial Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is fostering a unified front against these offences,” said Duma.

DAILY NEWS