Holiday crackdown: Hundreds arrested for drunk driving in the Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has raised serious concerns regarding motorists driving under the influence of alcohol during this festive season.

In enforcement operations conducted last weekend, 213 motorists were arrested for drunk driving across the province. Earlier on Sunday, an additional 238 motorists were detained, bringing the total to 451 arrests over two consecutive pre-Christmas weekends.

The department described these figures as troubling, particularly as traffic volumes are expected to surge in the coming days.

Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose noted that drunk driving remains a primary cause of fatal crashes, injuries, and long-term trauma on the country’s roads.

“Each of the 451 drunk driving arrests represents a conscious decision to break the law and endanger lives, and our message as the Eastern Cape Department of Transport is very clear - if you drink and drive on our roads, you will be arrested, and you may well spend your Christmas behind bars. So we are pleading with you - do not drink and drive and please play by the rules of the roads at all times.”

The department is pleading with motorists to play by the rules of the road at all times and to refrain from drinking and driving to ensure the safety of all road users.