Latest news with #KwaZulu-NatalRoadTrafficInspectorate
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Scores of motorists arrested in KwaZulu-Natal road safety blitz
AN OFFICER from the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) puts handcuffs on one of the motorists who were arrested in last night's road safety blitz for various violations ranging from driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal possession of firearms. A late-night road safety blitz led by the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) resulted in the arrest of scores of motorists for various violations ranging from drunk driving to possession of illegal firearms. The multi-disciplinary operation, commanded by a senior female officer and supported largely by women law enforcement officials, ran from last night into the early hours of the morning. It involved RTI officers working in partnership with the South African Police Service, Metro Police, and municipal traffic authorities. Transport MEC Siboniso Duma praised the women-led team, saying they embodied the 'No-Nonsense, Zero Tolerance and Alufakwa' campaign aimed at restoring discipline on the province's roads. 'Our RTI team, together with SAPS and other traffic agencies, successfully arrested motorists for a range of violations,' said Duma. The charges include: -Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; -Possession of drugs and illegal firearms; -Driving suspected stolen vehicles; -Outstanding warrants of arrest. Duma said the crackdown was necessary in light of the rising number of road accidents, particularly around paydays. 'During the first week of August alone, we lost more than 30 people on our roads,' he said. 'We have observed that accidents spike at the end of the month, on the 15th, and the 25th, when people are paid and are more likely to be out, increasing traffic and pedestrian activity.' The MEC reiterated that law enforcement would continue to adopt a strict stance on lawless driving and crime on the province's roads. 'It is for these reasons I have mandated our team to maintain a No-Nonsense, Zero Tolerance and Alufakwa posture,' said Duma.
TimesLIVE
31-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
Truck driver arrested after being found more than 20 times over legal alcohol limit
KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate officials have arrested two alleged drunk drivers including one who was found to be more than 20 times over the legal limit. The transport and human settlements department said the RTI team working with police arrested a truck driver for drinking and driving in Van Reenen along the N3 on May 17. He blew 2.0mg/1000ml, which is 20 times more than the legal limit of 0,10mg /1000ml. He was arrested and charged by Ladysmith police and is expected to appear in court on August 18. A second driver who was also arrested on Friday for allegedly driving under the influence in Van Reenen is being held in the Ladysmith police cells. The driver allegedly blew 0.32 mg/1000ml which is three times more than the legal limit. MEC Siboniso Duma said nine victims of a horrific accident involving a truck in Empangeni along the N2 were recently buried. 'Families lost their loved ones and breadwinners, with children becoming orphans as a result of one reckless truck driver. 'In my meeting with senior management last Monday, I mandated our RTI team to strengthen their no nonsense, zero tolerance and Alufakwa campaign on our roads. We undertake to clamp down on bad behaviour in all corners of our province. 'In particular, we are paying more attention to trucks because, more than any vehicle, trucks can damage more vehicles at once and their accidents can lead to serious injuries because of the impact.' He said road networks being constructed, rehabilitated and repaired should not be playgrounds for 'irresponsible drivers'. Duma said road accidents cost the South African economy more than R164bn annually, an equivalent to 3.4% of the country's GDP. In addition, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) paid out more than R45.6bn in claims in the 2023-2024 financial year.
