KZN leads drunk driving arrests as Easter crackdown nets over 15, 000 suspects nationwide
Police have hailed the operation as a success, crediting the visible policing strategy and collaboration between law enforcement agencies for the results, while warning that similar crackdowns will continue to target criminal activity across the province.
KwaZulu-Natal has emerged at the forefront of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Easter weekend crackdown, recording the highest number of drunk driving arrests as law enforcement agencies intensified operations to curb crime and ensure public safety.
Nationally, a staggering 15, 840 suspects were arrested over the long weekend for crimes ranging from murder and rape to drug-related offences and assault. The co-ordinated Durban Central operations, were led by SAPS and supported by Metro Police and Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), and included high-visibility patrols, roadblocks and targeted interventions.
KZN topped the list for arrests linked to drinking and driving, with 588 motorists apprehended, significantly higher than Mpumalanga (199) and Eastern Cape (197). In Durban, police operations in the central business district delivered immediate results.
ALSO READ: ‘Just One Drink’ can turn into a drunk detour
According to Durban Central communications officer, Sgt Zane Khomo, a multidisciplinary roadblock held near Suncoast Casino on Sunday, April 5, resulted in the arrest of 30 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The suspects, aged between 22 and 60, included two women. Authorities said the operation formed part of efforts to improve road safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Beyond traffic violations, officers also made arrests linked to violent and property crimes.
Two suspects were apprehended in separate incidents along Dr Yusuf Dadoo and Dr Goonam streets, one for common robbery after a victim positively identified the perpetrator, and another for malicious damage to property.
“All suspects were processed at Durban Central SAPS and released on bail pending further charges. They are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court,” Sgt Khomo said.
On a broader national scale, police also made significant inroads in tackling serious crime. A total of 146 suspects were arrested for murder, 123 for attempted murder, and 189 for rape. Drug-related crimes accounted for over 2, 000 arrests, while 1, 342 suspects were taken into custody for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
ALSO READ: Metro Police continues with crackdown on drunk driving
Authorities also seized 132 illegal and unlicensed firearms along with 1, 097 rounds of ammunition, with KZN again leading by confiscating 42 handguns, the highest in the country. In addition, 532 illegal taverns and shebeens were shut down for violating liquor laws.
Police have hailed the operation as a success, crediting the visible policing strategy and collaboration between law enforcement agencies for the results, while warning that similar crackdowns will continue to target criminal activity across the province.
