The Department of Transport, SAPS, and the Road Traffic Inspectorate has been cracking down on drunk drivers across the province, through its NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, with a significant number of motorists arrested in Newcastle.
On Friday 28 November, 66 arrests were made across KwaZulu-Natal, including a university lecturer, a nurse, a peace officer, a taxi driver, two educators, and a prominent football official. Ulundi recorded 11 arrests, Durban 23, and Newcastle a further 32. The trend continued on Saturday 29 November, when an additional 21 people were arrested in Newcastle for drunk driving.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, announced: “They think the Road Traffic Inspectorate team is playing games. Despite arresting 32 motorists in Newcastle the day before, they are still reckless. A total of 53 motorists have been arrested. RTI and SAPS will arrest even more again. Since 15 August, we have arrested 1540 motorists across the province. Those who were arrested this weekend will make their court appearance soon.”
Newcastle Municipality noted with serious concern the latest reports confirming 53 local motorists were arrested over the weekend, continuing a trend of the town recording the highest number of arrests during the province-wide operation.
Equally alarming is the cumulative figure: since 22 October, 274 motorists have been arrested for drunk driving in Newcastle. With the weekend’s 53 arrests, the total rises to 327, underscoring a persistent pattern of alcohol abuse on the roads.
Newcastle Mayor Xolani Dube said: “This level of lawlessness is unacceptable, especially as we enter the festive season, a period meant for rest, celebration, and family, not preventable injury, trauma, and loss of life. The Municipality unequivocally condemns the reckless abuse of alcohol and the dangerous conduct of individuals who choose to drink and drive. These actions place an immense strain on law enforcement personnel, emergency responders, and healthcare facilities, while endangering innocent motorists and pedestrians.”
As part of intensified festive season safety measures, the Municipality, working jointly with SAPS, Newcastle Traffic Services, and provincial authorities, has strengthened operations. These include expanded roadblocks, sobriety checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, and targeted inspections against illegal alcohol trading. Dube stated offenders would face decisive legal consequences.
Residents and visitors are strongly urged to refrain completely from drinking and driving, obey all traffic laws, avoid public drinking and disorderly behaviour, and report reckless driving or illegal alcohol activities.
Dube further appealed to families, community leaders, and organisations to reinforce responsible behaviour, noting that a safer Newcastle requires a collective effort.
He said: “We acknowledge and commend the dedicated work of law-enforcement agencies whose continuous vigilance has resulted in the 327 arrests recorded to date. Their efforts are central to protecting our communities and preserving lives. Newcastle Municipality remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all residents. Let us work together to ensure that every Newcastle household enters the new year safely, responsibly, and without tragedy.”
