KZN Road Traffic Inspectorate officers speak to a motorist during a roadblock. Ahead of the Easter holidays, KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma says there is a zero tolerance approach to reckless drivers.
Image: FILE/ KZN Transport
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has issued a stern warning to motorists ahead of the Easter and Passover long weekend, stating that no professional status or social position will shield reckless drivers from arrest.
The warning follows a series of high-speed arrests conducted by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) as part of Operation #NenzaniLaEzweni. Among those recently detained are an attorney, a doctor, a teacher, and a SARS tax practitioner, all of whom were caught clocking speeds well above the 120 km/h limit.
The MEC’s office took the unusual step of naming several individuals who have already appeared in court to illustrate the province's "no-nonsense" approach. According to the department, the highest speeds recorded included a taxi owner arrested for driving at 198 km/h and a tax practitioner who had been driving at 180 km/h.
The crackdown also targeted drunk driving, with one foreign national arrested after allegedly attempting to flee from RTI officers in Hibberdene.
MEC Duma emphasised that the RTI has been instructed to show zero leniency as traffic volumes are expected to surge over the Easter school holidays.
Projections suggest that between 1,500 and 2,000 vehicles per hour will pass through provincial tollgates starting Thursday, April 2.
"To demonstrate that nobody is above the law, RTI is arresting any reckless motorists irrespective of their occupation and position in society," Duma said.
In a blunt message to those hoping to use political or professional influence to escape fines or detention, the MEC added: "Anyone who is caught on the wrong side of the law must not call us as we are busy."
The province is looking to build on the safety foundations laid during the previous festive season to reduce the high rate of road fatalities typically seen during the Easter period. "We remain determined to reduce road crashes and fatalities on our roads," Duma concluded.
He added that the RTI will maintain a high-visibility presence on all major routes, including the N2 and N3, throughout the holiday period.
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