KZN Transport MEC Duma's drunk-driving warning, blood alcohol analysis boosting convictions
KZN Road Traffic Inspectorate officers speak to a motorist during a roadblock. KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has warned of a crackdown on drunk driving.
Image: FILE/ KZN Transport
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma has issued a stern warning against drunk driving, stating that blood test evidence was strengthening cases and leading to convictions.
In a statement on Tuesday, Duma praised the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and its law enforcement partners for what he described as “a high level of efficiency and professionalism in ensuring successful convictions of motorists who were arrested for drunk driving.”
The arrests form part of the Nenzani La Ezweni operation, which has seen intensified enforcement across the province.
“Since 15 August 2025, we have arrested more than 4,400 motorists for drunk driving through the Nenzani La Ezweni Operation,” Duma said.
According to the MEC, blood test evidence has often been the decisive factor in successful prosecutions.
One of the cases highlighted involved a man who was among 24 motorists arrested in September last year in Umhlanga Rocks.
Duma confirmed that he “has been found guilty in the Durban Magistrates Court,” adding that the State’s case was strengthened by forensic evidence.
“Our case was bolstered by blood alcohol analysis, which indicated that he exceeded the legal limit,” the MEC said.
The MEC also acknowledged the multi-departmental cooperation behind the prosecutions, singling out the South African Police Service (SAPS), Durban Metro Police, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD), and the Department of Health.
He thanked the Department of Health and eThekwini Municipality’s Health Unit “for deploying nurses who are legally authorised to draw blood samples from suspected drunk drivers”.
He said blood was drawn “in compliance with Section 37(2)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51/1977.”
Beyond drunk driving, Duma warned of a growing crisis involving heavy vehicles on the province's roads.
He said he has instructed the newly appointed head of the Department of Transport, Zibusiso Dlamini, “to strengthen the road safety plan with a clear focus on trucks.”
The directive follows a tragic weekend in which, according to Duma, “we buried 17 people who died in accidents involving trucks.”
“Our road networks, which are being constructed, rehabilitated, and repaired, should not be playgrounds for irresponsible drivers,” Duma said.
“We must remove all these elements that are costing our country a fortune.”
He reiterated the economic impact of road crashes, stating that “road accidents cost the South African economy over R164 billion annually, equivalent to 3.4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).” He added that the Road Accident Fund “paid out over R45.6 billion in claims in the 2023–2024 financial year.”
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