The South African Police Service (Saps) and KwaZulu-Natal traffic police arrested 110 motorists for drunk driving in Port Shepstone on the South Coast at the weekend.
This comes after Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma warned that the province would take a zero-tolerance stance against the crime and other road traffic offences.
Duma said a doctor, three nurses and a councillor were among 66 motorists arrested in Port Shepstone on Saturday night and Sunday morning, bringing the number of motorists arrested in the town to 110.
He said he was encouraged by the public’s support for the Road Traffic Inspectorate’s (RTI) efforts, which aim to clean up the province’s roads.
“From the 55 motorists arrested by 00h15 this morning (Sunday), the figure has increased to 66. On Friday and Saturday morning, 44 drunk motorists were arrested. This means that the total number of arrests this weekend in Port Shepstone alone is now 110,” Duma said.
The total number of drunk driving arrests effected in the province since August 15 is now 399.
“Disappointingly, a doctor, three nurses from Port Shepstone Regional Hospital, and a councillor are among the 66 motorists arrested. The doctor has been charged with escaping from lawful detention. He faces a fine or six to ten years in jail if found guilty,” Duma said.
A policeman from Port Shepstone Police Station also escaped from lawful detention and would be charged with the crime.
“In particular, health professionals, through their conduct, should display incredible understanding of the burden on our health system caused by alcohol-related road accidents. More than 60% of trauma cases are linked to horrific road accidents,” Duma said.
The estimated socioeconomic cost of road accidents per year is about R164 billion, or about 3.4% of GDP.
For the 2022/23 financial year, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) paid out R22bn in loss-of-income claims.
“We wish to salute our highly efficient, energetic and dedicated RTI team, traffic officers from Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality and members of the Saps from Port Shepstone Police Station. Collectively, the team managed to save innocent lives and prevent the destruction of families,” Duma said.
“I have mandated the team to be firm and remove from our road network irresponsible and reckless motorists who are creating orphans, widows and people living with disability.
“We are encouraged by the public support for our efforts. Each day, we are realising that the majority of 12.5 million people in KwaZulu-Natal are prepared to unite and isolate this tiny minority of individuals who drink and drive,” he said.
