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KZN traffic police ramp up operations: 27 alleged drunk drivers nabbed in uMhlanga Rocks, Durban North

Mercury Reporter|Published

With Easter approaching, KZN Transport officials have ramped up operations, arresting 27 motorists for alleged drunk driving in uMhlanga Rocks and Durban North.

Image: KZN Transport

Ahead of the Easter weekend, the KwaZulu-Natal Transport department says officials are already in action dealing with negligent driving with 27 motorists for alleged drunk driving in Umhlanga Rocks and Durban North on Friday night.

The suspects will appear in court on Monday.

In a statement, the department said one motorist had a blood alcohol concentration ten times over the legal limit. The oldest motorist arrested is aged 58, and the youngest is 21.

It said that nurses deployed by Durban Metro Police and the KZN Department of Health to ensure that mandatory processing of blood samples drawn from motorists is undertaken during roadblocks.

The department warned that more than 80 roadblocks, focusing on drunk driving, will be executed under the auspices of the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation during the Easter weekend.

“Our message has not changed and is very clear: drink and drive and earn yourself a criminal record. You also stand a good chance of spending 48 hours in holding cells with hardened criminals. As we announced, we will execute 148 multidisciplinary roadblocks and 118 speed operations in high accident zones and other areas frequented by visitors and worshippers.”

The #NenzaniLaEzweni operation that began last year had yielded positive results for the department with thousands of motorists arrested since August 15 last year when it was launched.

MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma said the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) had adopted a strict zero-tolerance stance on drunk and reckless driving. 

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