Durban — If you’re caught drinking and driving this Easter, you could be spending the next six years in prison.
That’s the stern warning from KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, who has called on law enforcement to show no mercy on drunk drivers and other reckless road users.
Speaking ahead of the busy Easter weekend, Duma said the days of lenient fines for drunk drivers are over.
“We will work with the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure successful prosecutions and a prison sentence of up to six years. The fine of between R2000 and R120 000 is not enough,” he said.
Duma highlighted that South Africa has the highest rate of alcohol-related road deaths globally, with 57.5% of fatal crashes involving alcohol.
“We have orphans, widows, and broken families because of one drunkard. We don’t want KZN contributing to that statistic,” he added.
He instructed law enforcement to arrest drunk drivers and keep them behind bars until at least 21 April. “Let them sober up in jail,” he said.
But Duma’s message didn’t stop at drunk driving.
Duma also called for harsh action against speeding and reckless drivers, reminding motorists that the maximum speed limit is 120 km/h.
“We have reckless drivers causing carnage on our roads. Arrest them to send a strong message,” he said.
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The MEC also issued a direct warning to motorists driving “moving coffins” — unroadworthy vehicles or those with fraudulent roadworthy certificates.
“If your car is unroadworthy, don’t take a chance. We will impound it, and you may spend Easter weekend in jail,” he cautioned.
With only 31% of front-seat passengers buckling up nationally, Duma stressed that seatbelts reduce fatalities by 70%.
Over 673 motorists were fined in KZN during the last festive season for failing to wear seatbelts.
“Law enforcement must fine those who ignore this life-saving rule,” he said.
As thousands hit the road this Easter, it’s clear — you drink, you drive, you go to jail. No excuses. No second chances. Just orange overalls and cold concrete.
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