Pietermaritzburg – A Zimbabwean truck driver has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during KwaZulu-Natal’s ongoing #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, led by the provincial MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma.
The driver, who was also undocumented, was caught during a major road safety crackdown at the Mkhondeni Weighbridge near Pietermaritzburg. Authorities say he was likely moments away from causing a serious crash.
In total, 98 trucks were stopped and 47 drivers interviewed, leading to the arrest of five undocumented foreign nationals. Some were also found in possession of fraudulent documents. One Zimbabwean national was reportedly transporting European tourists without a valid permit.
A Zimbabwean bus carrying foreign passengers was also pulled over and searched by officers from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), SAPS Dog Unit, and Home Affairs Immigration Unit.
Duma said the province is determined to clean up its roads and protect both truck drivers and the public from exploitation and unsafe practices. “We are uncovering exploitative practices, financial fraud, and human rights violations involving certain players in the logistics and freight industry,” he said.
According to Duma, interviews with truck drivers revealed serious labour violations including no written contracts, unlawful deductions, no payslips, and the replacement of South African drivers with undocumented foreigners. Some companies were accused of paying bribes to avoid law enforcement and forcing drivers to work excessive hours without proper rest or overtime pay.
Watch | Seven Foreign Drivers Arrested, 14 Abnormal Trucks Seized in KZN Crime Blitz
The MEC confirmed that RTI has been mandated to arrest owners of companies found breaking the law, warning that those “turning our road networks into killing fields” will be held accountable.
The #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation is supported by several partners, including SAPS, Department of Labour, Cross Border Road Transport Agency, Umsunduzi Traffic, and ADTF ASA, among others.
Duma concluded by urging honest trucking operators to stand together and help rebuild integrity in the sector.
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