KZN health manager faces probe following drunk driving arrest with teenager

The KwaZulu-Natal Health Department has launched an investigation after one of its senior managers was arrested for drunk driving with an intoxicated 17-year-old girl.

Traffic officers handcuffed the official last Sunday on the N2 freeway on KZN's South Coast after being stopped for driving over the speed limit. 

The transport department said the man tried to escape in the government car, but he was caught after a dramatic chase.

The senior health official, who cannot be named at this stage, is facing charges including drunk and reckless driving, exceeding the speed limit, failing to stop for traffic officers and being in possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. 

He was also found with an intoxicated 17-year-old girl inside the government car. 

The KZN Health Department has confirmed the car belongs to it and was being driven by one of its employees, who was on duty. 

The department said it has a zero-tolerance policy for officials who abuse state resources. 

“The involved vehicle has been impounded, and we are in the process of securing its recovery,” reads a statement from the KZN Health Department. 

“We assure the public that should our internal processes find the official guilty of misconduct, he will face the full might of departmental disciplinary measures, in addition to any consequences from the criminal justice system."