A multidisciplinary zero-tolerance operation in the early hours of Saturday morning led to the arrest of 24 drunk motorists and the confiscation of blue lights on the M4 uMhlanga Rocks Interchange, north of Durban.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the operation included members from SAPS, eThekwini metro police, KZN VIP Protection, Blue Security, Marshall Security, and others in partnership with the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).
“With close to 200 motorists arrested since 15 August, we are slowly turning the tide against drinking and driving,” he said.
The MEC said he has mandated the highly efficient and dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate to clean the road networks this weekend.
“I want to commend our energetic, efficient, and highly dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate,” he said.
Jacques Poupard from the uMhlanga Ratepayers and Residents Association (URRA) commended MEC Duma for initiating the recent security operation in uMhlanga to address lawlessness.
Poupard said the operation was a great success. “This proactive step is an important intervention for public safety and the restoration of law and order in the area.”
He thanked the MEC for showing “true leadership”, adding that the residents of uMhlanga are grateful.
“The startlingly high number of arrests confirms what we have long been saying and demonstrates the level of lawlessness we endure,” said Poupard.
He said such operations should not be isolated and once-off but part of a systematic, coordinated, and ongoing strategic programme “to arrest lawlessness and return our communities to safe havens”.
Poupard added that while uMhlanga is the economic powerhouse of the province, it is no longer the jewel of KZN.
“It urgently needs to regain its former glory as it plays its part in building KZN into a prosperous province,” he said.
The Vehicle Testing Association (VTA) and its registered members in KwaZulu-Natal fully supported the MEC’s zero-tolerance initiative against corruption.
“We call for similar activities to be extended towards the inspection and removal of unroadworthy vehicles from our roads. These vehicles remain a serious threat to public safety and undermine the integrity of our transport system.”
The VTA has confirmed that all its provincial members are prepared to assist the MEC and his team with these crucial activities, should their participation be requested.
“Together, we can safeguard lives and restore trust in the roadworthiness system.”
karen.singh@inl.co.za
