13 motorists were arrested during a blitz operation in Newcastle over the weekend for allegedly driving while intoxicated.

According to KZN Department of Transport & Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, the arrests formed part of its ongoing #NenzaniLaEzweni road safety campaign, which aims to create safer conditions for law-abiding motorists.

Driver’s conflicting claims amuse officers

Duma reported that one driver, who was highly intoxicated, challenged RTI to guess why he was wearing a white gown.

When he realised that nobody was paying attention to him, he unleashed a tirade.

“Duma must fire all of you. You can’t even see that you are harassing a doctor on call.”

Duma said the RTI team looked at each other and laughed at the man’s outburst.

The motorist continued, “Why are you laughing? My patients are waiting for me and you are giggling here. Do you think the hospital is an amusement park?”

“Apologies, Doc,” RTI responded at the same time, like a school choir.

“Let me go. I don’t have time for games. Schools are reopening next week and I need to prepare. Otherwise, my learners will fail and you will complain as parents. I don’t know where we get such grumpy parents from,” he said.

The officers looked confused and asked, “Are you a doctor or a teacher?”

He responded, “I am a teacher. Do you know the difference between learners and patients?

He continued, “Give me my iPhone. I want to report you to Duma. Hello, Mthombeni, my friend. I hope you are enjoying the World Cup.”

13 arrested

Aside from the ‘free entertainment’ of the evening, Duma said those arrested included:

• One panel beater
• One self-employed person
• Three unemployed people
• Two general workers
• One pensioner
• Two drivers
• One IT developer
• One sales executive
• One teacher (who initially claimed to be a doctor)

The department said the operation formed part of its continued efforts to improve road safety and reduce alcohol-related crashes across the province.

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