Speeding spree ends in arrests for doctor, lawyer, manager

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has welcomed a series of arrests carried out under the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, after a high intensity enforcement blitz in Park Rynie caught municipal protectors and several professionals on the wrong side of the law.

In a statement issued from Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House on Friday, Duma said the No Nonsense Road Traffic Inspectorate team intercepted two Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality bodyguards who were travelling in an official BMW X5 without their principal, the deputy mayor, who was attending a full council meeting at the time.

According to the department, the pair was arrested for reckless driving, the illegal use of blue lights, impersonating a police officer and possession of a firearm without a licence. The blue lights were seized and booked into the SAPS 13 store under reference number 739/11/2005, while the municipal vehicle was impounded.

Duma commended the Ray Nkonyeni municipal manager for cooperating with authorities and committing to implement consequence management following the arrests.

The MEC said officers also apprehended three additional motorists for excessive speeding during the operation. They include a medical doctor clocked at 181 km/h while driving a Ford Ranger Raptor, an attorney stopped at 175 km/h in a VW Golf, and a Checkers regional manager travelling at 170 km/h in a Toyota Corolla Cross.

Duma said the arrests formed part of intensified efforts to restore discipline on the province’s roads ahead of the festive season, warning that law enforcement would not compromise on safety.

“We are cleaning up our road networks, restoring law and order, and ensuring the safety of road users as guided by the National Traffic Act,” he said.

The department urged motorists to adhere to speed limits and to refrain from the unlawful use of blue lights, stressing that the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation would continue throughout December.