KwaZulu-Natal
1Min
South Africa
Dec 28, 2025
A Gauteng-based service provider linked to government tenders worth billions was arrested in Port Shepstone for reckless and drunk driving after fleeing RTI officers. The KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate continues its #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, which has already led to hundreds of arrests during the festive season.
A service provider linked to government tenders worth billions of rands in Gauteng is among several motorists arrested during intensified road safety operations in KwaZulu-Natal, as authorities continue a clampdown on drunk and reckless driving during the festive season.
The arrest was made in Port Shepstone during the ongoing #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation led by the provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI). According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements, the motorist drove recklessly into oncoming traffic, skipped four red traffic lights, fled from RTI officers and later attempted to evade arrest by hiding inside a house. The suspect was eventually apprehended with the assistance of other RTI members and the South African Police Service.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the arrest demonstrates the department’s determination to restore law and order on the province’s roads, regardless of a person’s social or economic status. He commended a female RTI officer and her colleague who pursued the suspect, describing their actions as brave and committed to protecting innocent road users.
Figures released by the department show that 95 motorists were arrested for drunk driving across three areas during the latest operation. In Stanger, 39 motorists were arrested, including two police officers and one officer from Gauteng. In Newcastle, 36 motorists were arrested, among them a senior municipal official, three educators and a nurse. In Port Shepstone, 20 motorists were arrested, including the Gauteng-based service provider.
In a separate consolidated report covering operations on Saturday night, the department said 102 motorists were arrested for drunk driving in Margate, Newcastle and Groutville. Among those arrested was a 74-year-old driver in Margate, as well as a policeman, firefighter, paramedic and two teachers in Newcastle. The oldest driver arrested in Groutville was 65 years old.
The department said more than 2 600 motorists have been arrested for drunk driving since the launch of the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation on 15 August 2025. MEC Duma welcomed what he described as a reduction in road accidents, attributing it to the sustained visibility and enforcement by RTI officers.
He reaffirmed that the operation will continue until Easter and beyond, urging motorists to obey traffic laws and prioritise safety. Duma also thanked traffic officers from Ray Nkonyeni and KwaDukuza local municipalities, SAPS and the National Traffic Police for supporting the operation.
Authorities have again warned that drunk and reckless driving will not be tolerated, stressing that enforcement efforts will remain firm throughout the festive season.
