Key Takeaways
- 1,027 motorists were arrested for drunk driving in the Eastern Cape since December 1
- The arrests include two state prosecutors and two police officers
- The Eastern Cape transport department has implemented a zero-tolerance approach to drunk driving
- The department urges all road users to act responsibly and obey traffic laws
- The number of road fatalities decreased over the Christmas weekend compared to 2024
Introduction to Drunk Driving Arrests
The Eastern Cape police have made a significant number of arrests for drunk driving over the past weekend, with a total of 1,027 motorists arrested since December 1. This number is a cause for concern, particularly as the New Year period approaches, with major festivities planned across the province. The arrests include two state prosecutors and two police officers, who were among the motorists caught driving under the influence. The Eastern Cape transport department has expressed serious concern over these figures, emphasizing the need for road users to act responsibly and obey traffic laws.
High-Profile Arrests
The arrests of two state prosecutors and two police officers are particularly noteworthy, as they demonstrate that no one is above the law. The prosecutors, based in Gcuwa (Butterworth) and Kwa Bhaca (Mount Frere), were arrested along with the police officers, who were attached to SAPS Lusikisiki. These high-profile arrests were made in Lusikisiki, within the O.R. Tambo District, and serve as a reminder that drunk driving will not be tolerated, regardless of one’s position or status. The department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, emphasized that these arrests demonstrate that no one is above the law, and that traffic officers will be deployed in full force to implement a zero-tolerance approach to drunk driving.
Statistics on Drunk Driving Arrests
The statistics on drunk driving arrests in the Eastern Cape are alarming, with a total of 752 motorists arrested for drunken driving across the province from December 1 to 23. Between December 24 and 28, a further 275 arrests were recorded, bringing the total number of arrests for the 28-day period in December to 1,027. This translates to an average of 36 drunken driving arrests per day, a figure that is of serious concern for the Department. The districts that recorded the highest number of arrests during this period were the O.R. Tambo District, with 88 arrests, followed by the Amathole District, with 86 arrests, and the Alfred Nzo District, with 54 arrests.
Department’s Response to Drunk Driving
The Eastern Cape transport department has urged all road users to act responsibly and obey traffic laws, particularly as the New Year period approaches. The department has implemented a zero-tolerance approach to drunk driving, with traffic officers deployed in full force to enforce the law. Binqose emphasized that every arrest of a drunken driver is a direct contribution to saving lives on our roads, and that the department is committed to reducing the number of road fatalities. The sharp decrease in road fatalities recorded over the Christmas weekend compared to 2024 is a positive development, and the department hopes to build on this success in the coming year.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, the number of drunk driving arrests in the Eastern Cape is a cause for concern, and the department is taking a zero-tolerance approach to enforcement. The arrests of two state prosecutors and two police officers serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and that drunk driving will not be tolerated. The department urges all road users to act responsibly and obey traffic laws, particularly as the New Year period approaches. With traffic officers deployed in full force, the department hopes to reduce the number of road fatalities and make the roads safer for all users. By working together, we can prevent drunk driving and save lives on our roads.
