Three motorists have been arrested for alleged drunk driving during heightened traffic operations around the annual Reed Dance. Image: Supplied.
Siboniso Duma
1Min
South Africa
Untitled ArticleThree motorists arrested for drunk driving during Reed Dance operations
Three motorists, including a driver transporting bread and water for maidens and guests at Mashobeni Palace, have been arrested for alleged drunk driving during intensified traffic operations around the Reed Dance.
Three motorists have been arrested for alleged drunk driving during heightened traffic operations around the annual Reed Dance, with KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma warning that authorities will show “no mercy” to motorists who put the safety of thousands of maidens and guests at risk.
Among those arrested was a male motorist driving an Isuzu HMV who was allegedly on his way to deliver bread and water for maidens and guests attending the Reed Dance at Mashobeni Palace.
According to Duma, the motorist failed a breathalyser test, recording an alcohol reading of 0.29mg/l.
Two other motorists were also arrested by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).
They included a female motorist who recorded an alcohol reading of 0.30mg/l, and another male motorist who allegedly recorded a reading of 2.00mg/l.
Duma said more than 76 RTI and Operation Shanela officers had been deployed to conduct traffic management operations, roadblocks and inspections of vehicles and buses transporting maidens and guests.
“We must have no mercy against those who want to spoil such a beautiful cultural ceremony hosted by the King,” Duma said.
The MEC said authorities were encouraged by the safe arrival of more than 30 000 maidens, with no incidents or accidents reported between Friday and Saturday at 5pm.
Duma credited the Operation Shanela team for what he described as the professional execution of inspections of buses and taxis hired to transport maidens to the event.
Authorities will now shift their focus to the safe departure of maidens and guests following the ceremony.
RTI and Operation Shanela teams will maintain a highly visible presence at key routes and locations, including the R66 and R69, R618/R66 turn-off, Nkunzana Bridge, Mkhuze Bridge, Mbube Lodge entrance and the main entrance.
Duma urged motorists to exercise caution and comply with traffic regulations as thousands of people make their way home following the cultural ceremony.
