The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) confirmed today, December 21, that 88 people were arrested for drinking and driving in Mpumalanga between December 1 and 20.

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Arrests were made in Standerton, eMkhondo, KwaMhlanga, Tweefontein and Emalahleni, among others.

“Sixty drivers were detained over the weekend, mainly in the Nkangala region. Several suspects have already appeared in magistrates’ courts, and those arrested over weekend are expected to appear on Monday,” confirmed DCSSL spokesperson Moeti Mmusi.

Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison Jackie Macie commended traffic law enforcement for bringing offenders to book.

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“We again appeal to motorists to desist from drinking and driving. Alcohol and the steering wheel are a deadly combination that has caused preventable road crashes. Passengers should never agree to be driven by drunk drivers and should report such incidents to the police to save lives,” Macie said.

He urged law enforcement officials to maintain the current momentum, to ensure the swift finalisation of cases, and to remove drunk drivers from the roads, especially during busy periods.