Scores of motorists arrested in KwaZulu-Natal road safety blitz

A late-night road safety blitz led by the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) resulted in the arrest of scores of motorists for various violations ranging from drunk driving to possession of illegal firearms.

The multi-disciplinary operation, commanded by a senior female officer and supported largely by women law enforcement officials, ran from last night into the early hours of the morning.

It involved RTI officers working in partnership with the South African Police Service, Metro Police, and municipal traffic authorities.

Transport MEC Siboniso Duma praised the women-led team, saying they embodied the “No-Nonsense, Zero Tolerance and Alufakwa” campaign aimed at restoring discipline on the province’s roads.

“Our RTI team, together with SAPS and other traffic agencies, successfully arrested motorists for a range of violations,” said Duma.

The charges include:

-Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

-Possession of drugs and illegal firearms;

-Driving suspected stolen vehicles;

-Outstanding warrants of arrest.

Duma said the crackdown was necessary in light of the rising number of road accidents, particularly around paydays.

“During the first week of August alone, we lost more than 30 people on our roads,” he said.

“We have observed that accidents spike at the end of the month, on the 15th, and the 25th, when people are paid and are more likely to be out, increasing traffic and pedestrian activity.”

The MEC reiterated that law enforcement would continue to adopt a strict stance on lawless driving and crime on the province’s roads.

“It is for these reasons I have mandated our team to maintain a No-Nonsense, Zero Tolerance and Alufakwa posture,” said Duma.