KwaZulu-Natal intensified its crackdown on impaired driving, recording more than 100 KZN drunk driving arrests over the weekend across Estcourt, uMhlanga Rocks and Empangeni. The KZN Department of Transport said 13 motorists were arrested in Estcourt by Friday 11pm, rising to 26 by Saturday night. Additionally, uMhlanga recorded 26 and Empangeni 84. MEC Siboniso Duma praised RTI teams for “sustained law enforcement” ahead of the festive season.
909 Arrests Since August, Tighter Enforcement Ahead
Since operations intensified on 15 August 2025, authorities have made 909 KZN drunk driving arrests. This is part of a drive Duma says is “systematically altering behavioural change.” He noted a “drastic reduction in road fatalities and crashes since August.” He also warned that enforcement will escalate through the holidays.
Behaviour Change at the Centre of Road Safety
Duma cited research showing up to 87% of road fatalities in South Africa link to road user behaviour. This underscores why education and visible policing are central to the province’s approach. The Zululand Observer also reported 84 weekend arrests in Empangeni as KZN sets a tougher tone for the festive season. These KZN drunk driving arrests form part of a broader push to make roads safer.
Long-term Targets and Ongoing Campaigns
The province reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, targeting a 50% reduction in fatalities by 2030. Duma said the “Zero Tolerance, No Nonsense, Alufakwa” campaign will continue. RTI teams are mandated to “clean up” road networks in suburbs and townships alike. The scale of KZN drunk driving arrests suggests the strategy is biting, as authorities balance hard enforcement with public education.
What it Means for Holiday Travel
With festive travel looming, officials expect more checkpoints, breathalyser tests and late-night roadblocks. Motorists should plan for delays, designate sober drivers and comply with officers on duty. This is as KZN sustains pressure on drink-driving hot spots.
