Crackdown: 110 motorists arrested for drunk driving in Port Shepstone, including health professionals
Over the past weekend, a doctor, three nurses, and a councillor were among the 66 motorists arrested for drunk driving in Port Shepstone on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
KZN Transport Siboniso Duma revealed that approximately 110 people were arrested during operations since Friday conducted by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).
Since August 15, the total number of drunk driving arrests has reached 399.
In a statement, Duma expressed disappointment that a doctor, three nurses from Port Shepstone Regional Hospital, and a councillor were among those arrested. The doctor has been charged with escaping lawful detention and faces a fine or a prison sentence of six to ten years if found guilty.
Additionally, a policeman from the Port Shepstone Police Station escaped lawful detention and will also be charged for this offence.
Duma stated that it is exceedingly disappointing for health professionals to be implicated in such conduct.
“In particular, health professionals should display an incredible understanding of the burden on our health system caused by alcohol-related road accidents. More than 60% of trauma cases are linked to horrific road accidents.”
He said available public records indicate that the estimated socio-economic cost of road accidents each year is about R164 billion, or approximately 3.4% of the country’s GDP. For the 2022/23 financial year, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) paid out R22 billion in loss of income claims.
“We wish to salute our highly efficient, energetic, and dedicated RTI team, traffic officers from Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, and members of the South African Police Service from the Port Shepstone Police Station. Collectively, the team managed to save innocent lives and prevent the destruction of families,” Duma added.
“I have mandated the team to be firm and remove from our road network irresponsible and reckless motorists who are creating orphans, widows, and people living with disabilities.”
“We are encouraged by the public support of our efforts. Each day, we are realising that the majority of the 12.5 million people in KwaZulu-Natal are prepared to unite and isolate this tiny minority of individuals who drink and drive,” Duma said.