KZN drunk driving blitz: 74-year-old among dozens arrested in Margate
According to MEC Siboniso Duma, more than 2,600 motorists have been arrested for drunk driving since August 15, underscoring the scale of the problem and the province’s aggressive response.
Image: KZN Transport Department
A 74-year-old motorist was among dozens arrested for drunk driving in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) overnight, as provincial authorities tightened their grip on reckless road behaviour and reported a notable reduction in road accidents.
The elderly driver was arrested in Margate, near Port Shepstone, during the latest phase of the province’s high-impact #NenzaniLaEzweni road safety operation.
The arrest formed part of a coordinated, province-wide blitz targeting intoxicated drivers, reckless behaviour and non-compliance with traffic laws.
Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said he was encouraged by early-morning reports indicating both strong enforcement and declining crashes on KZN roads.
“This morning around 5am, I received a consolidated report from our energised Road Traffic Inspectorate team,” Duma said.
“The figures confirm that our intervention is working, and we are seeing a reduction in road accidents.”
According to the MEC, more than 2,600 motorists have been arrested for drunk driving since August 15, underscoring the scale of the problem and the province’s aggressive response.
In Margate, 38 motorists were arrested overnight. Those detained included the 74-year-old driver, along with nine women and 29 men.
In Newcastle, 32 motorists were arrested, among them a police officer, a firefighter, a paramedic and two teachers, highlighting that drunk driving cuts across professions and public trust.
In Groutville, near Stanger, another 32 motorists were arrested, with the oldest driver aged 65.
Duma praised the commitment of traffic officers on the ground, describing their performance as exceptional.
“The level of commitment displayed by our highly energised Road Traffic Inspectorate is unmatched,” he said.
He added that the people of KZN were encouraged by what he called the “loyalty to serve this province” shown by traffic officials.
Drunk driving remains one of the leading contributors to fatal crashes in the province, particularly during weekends and peak travel periods.
Authorities say sustained enforcement, visible policing and arrests are critical to changing driver behaviour.
Duma confirmed that the operation will not be short-lived. “We offer to sustain the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation until Easter and beyond,” he said.
He also thanked traffic officers from Ray Nkonyeni and KwaDukuza local municipalities, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the National Traffic Police for reinforcing the operation.
Officials warned that arrests will continue as law enforcement intensifies its zero-tolerance stance on drunk driving across KZN.
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