KwaZulu-Natal’s roads turned into a hotspot of enforcement activity this week after a late-night road safety blitz led by the provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) resulted in the arrest of scores of motorists for serious violations ranging from drunk driving to possession of illegal firearms.
The multi-disciplinary operation, commanded by a senior female officer and largely executed by women in law enforcement, ran from last night into the early hours of the morning. Officers from the RTI were supported by the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, and municipal traffic authorities in what officials described as a “hard-hitting crackdown” on lawlessness.
Transport MEC Siboniso Duma commended the women-led operation, saying it embodied the principles of the “No-Nonsense, Zero Tolerance and Alufakwa” campaign, which seeks to restore discipline and reduce fatalities on KwaZulu-Natal’s roads.
“Our RTI team, together with SAPS and other traffic agencies, successfully arrested motorists for a range of violations,” Duma said.
Charges Laid Against Motorists
Authorities confirmed that arrests and charges from the blitz included:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Possession of drugs and illegal firearms
- Driving suspected stolen vehicles
- Outstanding warrants of arrest
Road Deaths Spark Urgent Action
The crackdown comes in response to the alarming rise in road accidents across the province. Duma revealed that in the first week of August alone, more than 30 people lost their lives on KwaZulu-Natal roads.
He highlighted that traffic accidents tend to spike during “payday periods”—the end of the month, the 15th, and the 25th—when both motorists and pedestrians are more active on the roads.
“During these times, we see an increase in reckless driving, alcohol consumption, and overall disregard for road safety laws,” Duma explained.
Zero Tolerance Approach
Reiterating the province’s strict stance, Duma said law enforcement will continue to intensify its road safety operations.
“It is for these reasons I have mandated our team to maintain a No-Nonsense, Zero Tolerance and Alufakwa posture,” he said.
The MEC urged motorists to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others, warning that operations of this nature will be sustained throughout the province.
