Pretoria – KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has applauded the arrest of 38 motorists for drinking and driving in two major overnight operations in Durban.
Twenty-four motorists were arrested on Mangosuthu highway in uMlazi in an overnight operation that started at 8pm on Friday and lasted until 4am on Saturday, 10 January.
Another operation was held throughout the night in Verulam and 14 people were arrested for drinking and driving.
This road block operation is part of the prolonged and heightened enforcement campaign by the province as people are making their way back from the festive holidays.
The road block was attended by Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and South African Police Service (SAPS) members.
At the uMlazi operation, more than 310 vehicles were stopped and officers issued 39 charges for various violations of traffic laws, while more than 981 were stopped in Verulam and 54 charges were issued.
The operation in Verulam was conducted by 38 student traffic officers, who are now doing practical training from the RTI training college.
Commenting after receiving reports of these arrests, MEC Mchunu, reiterated that that the province will intensify its campaign to ensure zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
“We are inspired by the spirit and the level of dedication from our law enforcement agencies. The arrest of the 38 drivers for drinking and driving is in addition to the 267 motorists who have been arrested during the holidays.
“... We are also of the view that all the fatal accidents we had this festive season were avoidable - if only road users strictly adhered to our road traffic rules. We call on all road users to take individual and collective responsibility, and prioritise safety on our roads,” said MEC Mchunu. – SAnews.gov.za
