113 motorists were arrested for drunk driving in Richards Bay, Empangeni and Esikhaleni

Duma reveals that through #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, a Nigerian national found in possession of drugs was arrested - a small talk was rejected and was sent to jail.

Public and media Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma

15 November 2025

Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House:  In the wee hours of the morning, I received a second report from the No Nonsense team from Road Traffic Inspectorate.

We wish to inform the law-abiding people of KwaZulu-Natal that a RTI team has arrested a total of 113 motorists for drunk driving in Richards Bay, Empangeni and Esikhaleni (Esikhawini).  

The breakdown which include men and women motorists is as follows:-

• Richards Bay = 54 arrests
• Empangeni = 28
• Esikhaleni (Esikhawini) = 31

The arrests were executed during an operation that started at 18h00 last night until the wee hours of the morning. The total number of motorists arrested for drunk driving since the 15 August is 1,230.

Undoubtedly, the RTI is firm behind my mandate that they should clean up our road networks and ensure that the people of this province feel safe.

We will never fold our arms when there is an increasing number of people who feel unsafe in our road networks as a result of reckless drivers.

Critically, we have refined our road safety strategy and we have incorporated #NenzaniLaEzweni Operations in our roadblocks.

Consequently, a Nigerian national was caught in possession of drugs and was arrested in this joint operation involving SAPS under the leadership of Provincial Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the Richards Bay Community Policing Forum. 

Another motorist, who was arrested for drunk driving, was found in possession of a firearm. This is a criminal offence under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

A taxi driver was found with alcohol content 16 times over the legal limit for a PrDP category. In addition, an engineer was found with an alcohol content six times over the legal limit.

We thank the MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, for augmenting our work by deploying health professionals who are responsible for blood test management.

Ends

Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements

113 motorists were arrested for drunk driving in Richards Bay, Empangeni and Esikhalenihttps://t.co/gAAIOB4x0p#ArriveAlive #DontDrinkandDrive @KZNTransport @BreathalyserGuy pic.twitter.com/vZSloIuz1u

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 15, 2025