A man believed to be a mechanic, his girlfriend and two accomplices were arrested after they were allegedly caught driving an RTI vehicle while under the influence of alcohol in Jozini, Northern KZN on Sunday night (August 30), reports Zululand Observer.

The arrest was effected by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) team after the state-owned vehicle was intercepted.

The vehicle had reportedly been booked in for repairs at a local workshop.

According to KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma, the mechanic was travelling with his girlfriend and three friends when they were intercepted.

They are expected to appear in the Ubombo Magistrates’ Court, where they will face several charges, including impersonating a traffic officer, abuse of a state vehicle, malicious damage to a state vehicle, driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving a motor vehicle without a licence.

“With the high level of unemployment, it is quite disturbing to witness such behaviour from someone who has been lucky enough to find employment.

“Furthermore, the workshop was legally responsible for safeguarding state property, but it failed to do so. Clearly, there should be severe consequences for this gross negligence,” said Duma.

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