Drunk drivers should face six years in jail, says KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma, calling for harsher penalties ahead of the Easter weekend.

Duma issued a strong warning to motorists during last Thursday’s Easter Road Safety Campaign at the Mandeni Toll Plaza.

He argued that fines ranging from R2 000 to R120 000 are no longer sufficient to deter offenders.

“We will work with the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure successful prosecutions and a six-year prison term. Fines are not enough. We must aim for jail time to stop this scourge,” he said.

He urged law enforcement to take a zero-tolerance approach over the Easter period, highlighting that alcohol is a factor in 57.5% of road fatalities in South Africa.

The call for action follows a deadly bus crash last month on the N2 near Mandeni, which claimed eight lives, including a four-year-old girl. The victims, all members of the Twelve Apostles Church in Trinity, were travelling from Richards Bay to Nkobongo when a tyre burst reportedly caused the vehicle to overturn.

Duma announced that any driver caught under the influence during the Easter period should be arrested immediately and only considered for bail after 21 April. He also called for the arrest of those who speed, drive recklessly or operate unroadworthy vehicles, referring to such vehicles as “moving coffins” that would be impounded on the spot.

Motorists caught with fraudulent roadworthy certificates or in unsafe vehicles risk spending the entire weekend behind bars.

Duma also raised concern about the low use of seat belts. During the previous festive season, 673 motorists in KZN were fined for not wearing one. Officers will continue issuing fines for non-compliance.

To strengthen enforcement, 837 Road Traffic Inspectorate officers and 120 officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation will patrol major routes including the N2 and N3, supported by 24-hour satellite stations.

New technologies like Automatic Number Plate Recognition and Crime Recognition Software will help detect unlicensed, stolen and unroadworthy vehicles, as well as drivers with unpaid fines or outstanding warrants.

“We are serious about saving lives,” said Duma. “There will be no mercy for those who treat our roads with contempt.”

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