Claims of police inaction in a suspected drunk driving case have sparked an official investigation at the Umhlali precinct.

A complaint of alleged negligence was lodged against Umhlali police on Monday, prompting iLembe district authorities to investigate claims that officers failed to act decisively against a suspected drunk driver on Sunday (April 12), reports the North Coast Courier.

District SAPS spokesperson Priya Nunkumar confirmed they are looking into the matter.

Ballito resident reports possible drunk driving in progress

According to the Ballito resident – who requested to stay anonymous but is known to the North Coast Courier – at about midday, he and his wife were travelling along the Esenembe Road when they noticed a light blue Toyota sedan driving erratically. Video footage shows the car repeatedly swerving across the centre line into oncoming traffic and narrowly avoiding head-on collisions twice.

Suspecting the driver was intoxicated, the couple contacted Umhlali Saps to report a possible drunk driving incident in progress. They followed the car until it turned into a farm road at Avro Farms where it stopped, and they confronted the driver.

The resident described the driver as visibly and severely intoxicated. Footage shows empty and half-full alcohol bottles inside the car. When the driver exited, he struggled to maintain his balance. The driver also allegedly offered a cash bribe to the complainant, which was declined. The driver reportedly did not have a valid driver’s licence either.

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A suspected drunk driver posed a risk to motorists on the Esenembe Road recently. The Ballito resident who took the video alleges the driver was drunk and that police took over three and a half hours to arrive. He has laid a charge of negligence against police, who allegedly let the driver off with a warning. #NorthCoastCourier #DangerousRoads

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Police allegedly lets driver go with a warning

Concerned for public safety, the complainant remained on scene for about three hours while awaiting police. He also contacted KwaDukuza municipality’s Crime Prevention and Traffic Police, but they referred him back to SAPS. He left the man in the care of a security company.

Police reportedly arrived about three and a half hours after the initial call and allegedly issued only a warning before returning the driver’s keys and allowing him to leave.

Law enforcement expert: Man should not be allowed to drive

A high-ranking law enforcement officer, who cannot be named, claims that this amounts to negligence. He told the publication that drunk driving is prosecuted on two grounds: Blood alcohol levels, tested within two hours of reporting, or clinical observation. As police allegedly arrived outside the two-hour window, the latter applied, supported by witness statements and video evidence.

He said officers should have either detained the driver and laid charges based on clinical observation or ensured he was taken to the station to sober up. The driver should not have been allowed to drive away, which is what reportedly happened, especially, said the source, because he allegedly had no valid licence.

The KwaDukuza municipality did not respond to requests for comment.