KZN traffic blitz: 67 arrested for drunk driving in Umhlanga and Durban North

KwaZulu-Natal’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) has arrested 67 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol during targeted operations in Umhlanga and Durban North this weekend.

The operations, part of a broader push to improve road safety ahead of the Easter holidays, revealed several instances of erratic behaviour from those detained.

According to the Department, arrests were marked by intoxicated motorists pleading innocence, attempting to offer bribes during Facebook Live broadcasts, and, in some cases, experiencing alcohol-induced hallucinations.

The RTI noted that the high-visibility campaign has received significant public backing. Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya stated that the initiative is already contributing to a measurable decrease in road accidents and fatalities across the province.

“We are overwhelmed by the positive feedback from the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the whole country,” Sibiya said. “Having followed the live streaming of the #NenzaniLaEzweni operations last night, they are supporting RTI for removing heavily intoxicated motorists from our roads.”

The department said that it remains committed to its zero-tolerance approach toward dangerous driving as holiday traffic volumes are expected to increase.