Following 327 drunk driving arrests in Newcastle from August to December 2025, authorities have continued to combat road carnage over the festive season and into the new year. Operation #NenzaniLaEzweni has targeted areas in and around Newcastle, highlighting ongoing concerns about impaired driving and non-compliance on KwaZulu-Natal’s roads.
In Ladysmith, 34 motorists were arrested during operations on the night of Saturday, 3 January, and the morning of Sunday, 4 January. The arrests were made by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) in a zero-tolerance operation under the provincial transport department’s campaign. Those arrested included a police officer, a retired police officer, three teachers, a paramedic, a train driver, a pharmacist’s assistant, a municipal building control officer, and a taxi driver who was transporting five family members. Notably, a court official who had previously assisted non-English speaking motorists in drunk driving cases was also arrested.
Commenting on the operation, MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said: “By and large, many families could be devastated, in pain, planning funerals and mourners expressing their condolences. But God sent a highly dedicated RTI team to protect families and save KwaZulu-Natal.”
The Emadlangeni Local Municipality Public Safety and Traffic Department also conducted a roadblock on the R34 as part of a broader road safety campaign. Officers conducted vehicle checks and offered safety tips to encourage responsible driving and vehicle maintenance.
Emadlangeni Mayor Mzwakhe Lawrence Buthelezi emphasised the critical importance of road safety. He said: “We urge all drivers to refrain from texting and driving, as well as drinking while driving. These behaviours put everyone at risk. Let’s make responsible choices and ensure that we all return home safely this holiday season.”
A coordinated multi-agency roadblock was carried out on the N11 in Dannhauser, led by the Dannhauser Traffic Department in partnership with SAPS, transport safety units and the RTI. According to preliminary statistics, the operation resulted in 16 traffic fines totalling R14,950, 54 vehicles searched, 142 passengers screened, and 16 undocumented immigrants detained.
Amajuba District Mayor Thembelihle Mthembu expressed appreciation for the enforcement efforts. “The Amajuba District Municipality would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and all law enforcement agencies for the increased police and traffic law enforcement visibility during the festive season,” he said.
“We commend the dedication, discipline, and professionalism of all law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly, often under demanding conditions, to protect road users and save lives. We hope that this level of visibility, coordination, and enforcement will continue throughout the year and become the norm, as road safety is a shared responsibility and a continuous priority.”
