Case Explained: 27 motorists arrested, including one ten times over the legal alcohol limit – Legal Perspective

Twenty-seven motorists were arrested for drunk driving on Friday night in Umhlanga Rocks and Durban North, with one of them found to be 10 times over the legal alcohol limit.

The arrests were confirmed on Saturday, by the office of KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma.

Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said Duma had instructed Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers and Operation Shanela teams to remove reckless drivers from the roads during the Easter and Passover period.

“With the newly appointed head of department, Zibusiso Dlamini, already in action, there is renewed energy and commitment from our no-nonsense RTI and Operation Shanela teams,” he said.

All 27 motorists are expected to appear in court on Monday.

Sibiya said one driver recorded a blood alcohol level 10 times above the legal limit. The oldest person arrested is 58, while the youngest is 21.

He said RTI officers are working with nurses from Durban Metro Police and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health to ensure proper handling of blood samples, in line with the Criminal Procedure Act.

“As part of the #NenzaniLaEzweni operation, nurses are managing the mandatory processing of blood samples drawn from motorists,” he said.

More than 80 roadblocks targeting drunk driving will be conducted under the operation during the holiday period.

This forms part of a broader road safety plan for the Easter and Passover weekend.

“Our message remains clear: drink and drive and you risk a criminal record. You could also spend up to 48 hours in holding cells,” Sibiya said.

He added that authorities plan to conduct 148 multidisciplinary roadblocks and 118 speed enforcement operations in high-risk areas and locations frequented by visitors and worshippers.

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