FIVE motorists were arrested at a random stop and search on the M41/M4 split this afternoon. The operation, which lasted two hours, also saw three drivers fined for driving without a license. Two more were detained and asked to pay outstanding fines on the spot. One of the drivers had eight outstanding fines while another errant motorist had three outstanding fines totalling R1 000.

The operation was a joint venture between the Durban North station and Road Traffic Inspectorate officers. The impromptu stop and searches also coincided with the station’s national Women’s Day celebrations.

More than 14 female officers from Durban North joined the operation to hand out flyers highlighting domestic abuse, vehicle safety and smash-and-grabs.

Lt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the station, deemed the operation was a success. “The operation had a three pronged approach. Besides highlighting crime awareness, we also wanted to catch motorists who had been dodging payment and as a station we wanted to pay tribute to the women who have serve the SAPS,” he said.