To curb drunk driving and promote road safety, several roadblocks were held recently and those resulted in the arrest of 59 drivers.
Durban — The Durban metro police’s zero-tolerance approach to drunk driving has resulted in the arrest of 59 people during roadblocks.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said that in recent weeks the City hosted several high-profile events which brought a welcome boost to the tourism and accommodation sectors. However, she added, the City remains unrelenting in enforcing its municipal by-laws.
“Several roadblocks that were held to curb drunk driving and promote road safety, resulted in the arrest of 59 drivers. The offenders ranged in age between 22 and 57. These arrests underscore the metro police’s zero-tolerance stance towards those found driving while under the influence,” Sisilana said.
Metro police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu confirmed the arrests and described them as the metro police’s continued commitment to road safety.
“Driving while under the influence endangers not only the driver but others on the road and can have long-lasting implications for those arrested,” Zungu said.
He said the multiple roadblocks were set up at strategic locations throughout Durban where the metro police conducted breathalyser tests on drivers.
Zungu added that the public has welcomed the roadblocks and the proactive steps being taken to ensure road safety in the City.
A multidisciplinary roadblock was held on Saturday from 6pm to 2am on Sunday on Solomon Mahlangu Drive, resulting in the arrest of 17 men.
eThekwini District SAPS spokesperson Captain Carmen Rhynes said the Brighton Beach SAPS and the Durban metro police conducted the roadblock.
Rhynes said 17 men aged between 21 and 66 were arrested for drinking and driving. They included three suspects from Bhekithemba and Chatsworth areas who were involved in serious collisions.
eThekwini district commissioner Major-General Makhosazana Victoria Kheswa said drinking and driving is a serious offence.
“I am pleased with the arrests by Brighton Beach SAPS. May this be a warning to all drivers who drink and drive, you will be arrested. We will have continued joint operations throughout the eThekwini district targeting liquor-related crimes. SAPS will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach towards drunk drivers.”
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