Inside Metros Reporter
KwaZulu-Natal’s transport authorities have arrested 52 motorists for drunk driving this weekend, filling up holding cells in Pietermaritzburg as the province intensifies its “Alufakwa” and “Zero Tolerance” road safety operations, MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said on Sunday.
“Since Friday, a total of 52 motorists have been arrested for drunk driving in Pietermaritzburg and Kokstad,” Duma said.
“With our Alufakwa and Zero Tolerance operation in full swing, holding cells in Pietermaritzburg reached full capacity this morning.”
Duma commended the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) for its sustained enforcement drive, noting that since 15 August, 489 motorists have been arrested for drunk driving — a figure that excludes operations in Newcastle conducted over the weekend.
He warned that offenders face serious consequences under section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.
“Apart from earning yourself a criminal record of up to 10 years, drunk motorists, if arrested over a weekend, can be detained a maximum time of 72 hours in the holding cells with hardcore criminals,” he said.
Duma said the province faces a logistical challenge due to overcrowded detention facilities and he would escalate the issue to the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.
“Such individuals can’t be allowed to use our road networks, as they will kill other road users,” he said. “I wish to assure our RTI team that, based on their report and their successful operation, I will take up this matter.”
He also highlighted intensified inspections along the N3 near Mariannhill Tollgate, where several “foreign truck drivers” were charged for operating vehicles with dangerously worn-out tyres.
“Unfortunately, some foreign truck drivers, including one from Zambia, were found driving trucks with worn-out tyres. These were impounded in order to save innocent lives,” he said.
Duma warned that bald tyres posed grave risks. “Worn tyres lack the necessary tread to maintain grip, making them prone to skidding, especially on wet surfaces,” he said.
“Without adequate tread, tyres require more time and distance to bring a heavy truck to a complete stop, which is particularly hazardous in emergency situations.”
He added that the province would intensify its #NenzaniLaEzweni operations, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, SAPS, the Department of Labour and Employment, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation. “Our focus is on strengthening the validation and verification of immigration and foreign drivers’ documents,” he said.
Duma said stricter enforcement will also extend to KwaZulu-Natal’s 17 provincial weighbridges, where overloaded trucks and unverified foreign drivers will face prosecution.
“Truck drivers with overloaded trucks will be charged. We will continue to arrest foreign drivers who fail to produce the necessary documents,” Duma said.
INSIDE METROS