Police ‘fail to act’ on alleged drunk driver, claims Ballito resident [WATCH]

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. District Saps spokesperson Priya Nunkumar confirmed that Saps were aware of the complaint.

According to the Ballito resident – who is known to the 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.

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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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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.

Concerned for public safety, the complainant remained on scene for about three hours while awaiting police. He also contacted KwaDukuza’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.

A high-ranking law enforcement officer, who cannot be named, confirmed that this amounts to negligence. He told us that drunk driving is prosecuted on two grounds: Blood alcohol levels, tested within two hours of reporting, or clinical observation. As Saps 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, and not allowed to drive, particularly as he had no valid licence.

KDM did not respond to requests for comment.