Two SAPS Officers and Taxi Driver Arrested for Drunk Driving Amid Intensified Road Safety Crackdown
Evident Makatwane 
KwaZulu-Natal’s Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, has confirmed the arrest of two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and a taxi driver during a late-night crackdown on drunk driving. The arrests, made during multi-disciplinary roadblocks on Saturday night, come as part of the province’s intensified “Zero Tolerance, No Nonsense and Alufakwa” campaign led by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).
Shock as Law Enforcers Arrested
According to Duma, one of the most disturbing elements of the operation was that two police officers expected to uphold the law were among those detained.
- A male SAPS officer from Port Edward was found to be six times over the legal alcohol limit, recording a reading of 1.05 mg/L. He was arrested under case number 203/08/2025.
- A female SAPS officer from Southport Police Station in Port Shepstone was arrested after blowing 0.85 mg/L, nearly four times above the permitted limit. Her case is registered as 204/08/2025.
“These arrests highlight the seriousness of the problem and the need for accountability, regardless of rank or uniform,” Duma said in his statement.
Taxi Driver Endangered 24 Lives
In an equally alarming case, RTI officers intercepted a minibus taxi in Ladysmith that was not only overloaded with 24 passengers (eight above the legal limit) but also driven by a motorist five times over the legal alcohol limit. The driver’s blood alcohol level was recorded at 1.08 mg/L, and his case was filed as 752/08/2025.
Authorities have since confirmed that none of the passengers sustained injuries, but officials warned that the incident could easily have resulted in tragedy.
Intensified Road Safety Campaign
MEC Duma emphasised that the crackdown reflects the province’s uncompromising stance on road safety, particularly ahead of the festive season.
“With only two major multi-disciplinary operations executed last night, 27 people were arrested for drinking and driving. We are firm and determined to protect innocent families who may have their lives destroyed by reckless motorists,” he said.
Duma also revealed that the arrests of law enforcement officers and a senior prosecutor will be tabled before the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, which is tasked with coordinating measures to strengthen law enforcement and public safety.
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of road fatalities in South Africa. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), nearly 27% of fatal crashes are linked to alcohol consumption. KwaZulu-Natal, with its busy provincial and national roads, consistently records some of the country’s highest accident rates during high-travel periods.
The arrests are expected to send a strong message that no one is above the law not even members of SAPS or public transport operators entrusted with passenger safety.
About the Author
Viable News Team 
