A total of 326 motorists were arrested for drunk driving in Pietermaritzburg over two nights during intensified festive season roadblocks, with all expected to appear in court on Monday. The arrests were made on Friday and Saturday nights, with 171 motorists taken into custody on Friday and a further 155 on Saturday. Among those arrested was a municipal official, along with professionals including an attorney, firefighters, teachers, a doctor and nurses.
The clampdown in Pietermaritzburg formed part of a broader provincial operation, which also saw arrests elsewhere in KwaZulu-Natal. Over the same period, 47 motorists were arrested in Durban, 14 in Empangeni and two in Ladysmith, all for driving under the influence of alcohol. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the arrests were the result of intensified enforcement under the #NenzaniLaEzweni operation.
“The no-nonsense Road Traffic Inspectorate team has arrested 2 163 motorists for drunk driving since 15 August,” Duma said. “The #NenzaniLaEzweni operation has been augmented by the deployment of National Traffic Police, with the support of the South African Police Service and traffic officers from municipalities.” Duma said early indications suggested the heightened visibility and enforcement were beginning to yield positive results. “Based on our preliminary figures, we have noted a decrease in the number of fatalities compared to 2024,” he said.
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He commended road traffic officials for their continued visibility across the province and thanked Transport Minister Barbara Creecy for deploying national traffic police to bolster the festive season operation. The Road Traffic Inspectorate, National Traffic Police, municipal traffic officers and SAPS have been conducting coordinated roadblocks and patrols across KwaZulu-Natal since December 1, as authorities seek to curb drunk driving and reduce road deaths during the busy holiday period.
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