KZN RTI #NenzaniLaEzweni: Drunk driving crackdown intensifies ahead of 2026
The KZN Department of Transport said the #NenzaniLaEzweni operation to deal with reckless and drunk driving has seen more than 2600 motorists being arrested since August 15.
Image: KZN Department of Transport / Facebook
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport says its successful #NenzaniLaEzweni operations, which has seen more than 2000 motorists arrested since August, will continue into the new year.
MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma said the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) had adopted a strict zero-tolerance stance on drunk and reckless driving. He said that more than 2,600 motorists have been arrested since the launch of the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation on August 15.
Earlier this week, a senior government official from a provincial department was arrested after allegedly attempting to evade RTI officers from Park Rynie. The official faces multiple charges, including drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, failing to stop, reckless driving, and possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Bail was denied, and the suspect was detained at Scottburgh Police Station. All exhibits, including the firearm and alcohol bottles, were booked into SAPS evidence under SAP13.
In a separate incident along the N3 highway, RTI officers rescued a man who was found sleeping on the roadway while under the influence of alcohol. The man reportedly believed he was at home in bed.
“The people of KwaZulu-Natal appreciate the level of dedication as displayed by the RTI. We thank you for serving the nation,” Duma said in commending the officers’ actions.
Christmas Day operations also saw several motorists spending the holiday behind bars. Four drivers were arrested, including one who fled from RTI officers in Park Rynie, leading to what the MEC described as a dramatic chase.
“The RTI team is serving the nation selflessly. In particular, the rollout of the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation along the N2 in the wee hours of the morning by RTI Park Rynie yielded excellent results with innocent lives being saved,” Duma said, adding that one of the arrested drivers had obtained his licence only a month earlier.
On Saturday, December 27, in Margate, 38 motorists were arrested for drunk driving, including a 74-year-old driver. In Newcastle, 32 motorists were arrested, among them a policeman, a firefighter, a paramedic, and two teachers. Another 32 arrests were recorded in Groutville, where the oldest driver was 65-years-old.
“The level of commitment displayed by our highly energised team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate is unmatched,” Duma said.
The MEC confirmed that the operation will continue “until Easter and beyond,” with support from local traffic authorities, SAPS, and the National Traffic Police.
The weekend concluded with another dramatic arrest in Ramsgate on the KZN South Coast, where a motorist allegedly drove through four red traffic lights and into oncoming traffic before fleeing on foot and hiding inside a house.
RTI officers, assisted by SAPS, arrested the suspect after relatives attempted to interfere.
“A female RTI officer and her colleague were brave in defence of innocent road users,” Duma said. “Together with her colleague, they pursued this reckless driver. He is in jail now and facing a litany of charges. I salute the RTI and SAPS.”
Authorities say the intensified operations are aimed at saving lives and restoring discipline on KwaZulu-Natal’s roads during the festive season and beyond.