MEC Duma
Pietermaritzburg, 21 December 2025 – KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has shared worrying numbers from recent road operations, with 321 motorists nabbed for drunk driving in Pietermaritzburg alone over just two days. Among those caught were a soldier and a South African Police Service officer, along with other professionals like a municipal manager, an attorney, fire fighters, educators, a doctor, and nurses. For families hitting the roads this holiday time, it is a stark warning about the dangers of mixing alcohol with driving, especially when trusted figures like these get caught breaking the rules. The arrests, part of the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, show how law enforcement is cracking down hard to keep everyone safe during the busy festive rush. One driver even had alcohol levels ten times over the legal limit, a shocking find that could have led to tragedy if not stopped. As parents and loved ones travel to gatherings, these figures hit home, reminding us that one bad choice behind the wheel can shatter lives forever. With over 10,000 charged for traffic offences across KZN since the season started, the push is on to cut down on risks and save lives. Duma’s team, boosted by national help, is working flat out, but the real win comes when drivers choose sober rides and follow the rules. In a province where road deaths have dropped this year, these arrests offer hope, but the work is far from done to make holidays joyful, not mournful.
Drunk driving remains a top killer on South African roads, claiming thousands each year and leaving families broken. With the festive average of 32 daily deaths nationwide, operations like this are key to turning the tide, but they need public buy-in to really work.
Surge in Arrests Under #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation
The #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, launched to boost road safety during the festive period, has netted big results in Pietermaritzburg. Over Friday, 19 December, and Saturday, 20 December, 321 motorists were arrested for drunk driving – 171 on the first day and 159 on the second, with one more caught elsewhere. This adds to the 2 364 total arrests for the same offence since 15 August, showing a steady crackdown on this danger.
The list of those caught includes everyday people and professionals: a soldier, a SAPS officer, a municipal manager, an attorney, fire fighters, educators, a doctor, and nurses. One standout case saw a driver with alcohol content ten times the legal limit, a level that puts everyone at huge risk. These arrests happened during multi-disciplinary checks involving the Road Traffic Inspectorate, National Traffic Police, SAPS, and municipal officers, all working together to spot and stop threats.
In other parts of KZN, the net widened: 47 in Durban and 14 in Empangeni on Friday, plus 25 in Durban, 15 in Empangeni, and two in Ladysmith on Saturday. This province-wide push shows how serious the team is about safety, especially with more cars on the roads for holidays.
High-Profile Arrests and Public Reaction
Among the caught were figures people look up to, like the soldier and SAPS officer, whose actions shock because they are meant to protect us. A municipal manager, doctor, and teachers also made the list, showing drunk driving cuts across all walks of life. For communities, it is a wake-up call that no one is above the law, and even trusted roles come with responsibility.
Public reaction has been strong, with many praising the no-nonsense approach. “The No Nonsense RTI team has arrested 2 163 motorists for drunk driving since 15 August,” Duma noted earlier, underlining the ongoing effort. Residents say these arrests save lives, but worry about the example set by professionals. One local shared how seeing a doctor or teacher caught makes everyone think twice about risks. The operation’s success, with over 10,000 charged for offences since December started, shows enforcement is working, but the high numbers highlight how widespread the problem is.
In past operations, like one nabbing 93 for drunk driving in a weekend, the focus stays on zero tolerance. Duma’s team urges: do not call for help if caught – face the consequences to learn the lesson.
Drop in Fatalities Amid Festive Crackdown
While arrests rise, road deaths are falling – a bright spot in the stats. Preliminary figures show a 20.9% drop in fatal crashes and 20.8% fewer fatalities midway through the season, with 505 lives lost compared to 638 last year. The daily average of 32 deaths is still too high, but the decline credits operations like #NenzaniLaEzweni for saving lives through checks and arrests.
Nationally, over 1,478 have been caught for drunk driving since the season began, with KZN leading in enforcement. Duma’s efforts, augmented by national police, show teamwork pays off. For families, it means safer trips home, but with peak days ahead, the call is to stay vigilant. “At this stage of the 2025 festive season, preliminary data show that early road fatalities have declined compared to the same period last year,” officials noted, urging more care.
In KZN, the drop ties into arrests like these, where stopping drunk drivers prevents crashes. With 73 055 cars stopped and thousands charged, the push is on to keep numbers down through New Year.
Broader Impact of Drunk Driving in South Africa
Drunk driving kills thousands yearly in South Africa, with festive times seeing spikes as parties lead to bad choices. In 2024, over 14,000 were arrested nationwide during holidays, showing the scale. Effects go beyond roads – families lose breadwinners, kids grow up without parents, and hospitals fill with injured.
In KZN, where operations like this run strong, the focus on professionals caught sends a message: no one gets a pass. Past cases, like two SAPS officers and a taxi driver nabbed with overloads, show the problem hits all levels. One operation saw a CPF member boasting ties to captains but still arrested, proving zero tolerance.
For society, it calls for more education on risks, like apps for safe rides or family talks on sober driving. Success in dropping deaths by 20% shows progress, but with 32 daily losses, the work continues.
Calls for Continued Vigilance and Support
Duma urges all to join the fight: report drunk drivers and choose safe options. With the RTI team on high alert, the hope is for a fatality-free end to the season. For those arrested, it is a wake-up call to change, while for others, a reminder to drive smart.
As holidays go on, KZN’s operations offer a model for safety, saving lives one stop at a time. For inquiries, reach spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya at 082 375 4742. The message is clear: festive joy should not end in tragedy – choose safety first.
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