A concerted effort by authorities to reduce South Africa’s horrific road death toll saw several roadblocks set up on the South Coast last weekend.
Organised by the KZN Department of Transport (DOT) roadblocks were held in Gamalakhe, Marburg, Port Shepstone, Southbroom, Margate, Uvongo and Ramsgate.
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Some 850 vehicles were stopped by officers from KZN Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), National Traffic Police, Margate and Port Shepstone Saps, and Law Enforcement officers from Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, and 117 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to state prosecutor Rubeun Judnarain, 40 motorists appeared in the Ramsgate Magistrate’s Court on drunk driving charges on Monday and another 32 on Tuesday.
“The 20 motorists arrested in the Port Shepstone policing area appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court on Monday. All the cases have been postponed to July/August, awaiting blood test reports.
“A further 25 are due to appear at the Ramsgate Court today (Thursday). All were released on bail,” said Mr Judnarain.
The highest reading taken over the weekend was 1,09 mg/1000ml, from a motorist driving a bakkie.
This reading put the five times over the legal limit.
Officers also charged 41 motorists for various transgressions of the National Road Traffic Act 93/96.
A government official in a government KZN vehicle was arrested and charged with drunken driving and abuse of state vehicle.
One vehicle was impounded for being unlicensed and five vehicles suspended for being unroadworthy.
The timing of the roadblocks has however caused controversy, with some quarters questioning if it was perhaps a deliberate targeting of those attending the South Coast Bike Fest.
This was denied by RTI director, Victor Chetty.
“Of the 117 people arrested in the two day operation, only four were bikers, and it must be pointed out that the majority of the motorists arrested were local. The roadblocks were part of KZN DOT RTI Law enforcement 365 day plan. This means that we conduct daily operations on KZN roads.” he said.
He added that traffic safety operations peak from the March school holidays, through Easter, over long weekends, Workers’ Day and Election Day.
“I must indicate that at all major events in the province we will be there, enforcing the law with regards to drunken driving.”
Vicky Wentzel, South Coast Bike Fest event organiser, said while the presence of RTI officers was welcomed to keep a measure of control, it was felt their approach ‘may have bordered on perceived harassment’.
“They targeted everyone, with no race or culture singled out. And although the controversial roadblock has been perceived as negative in some biking circles, we must point out that no lives were lost during the festival.”
Ms Wentzel added that as Margate is a holiday town with some 5 000 beds available, there was very little reason for festival-goers to drink and drive.
“We welcome constructive criticism, and this can be mailed to info@southcoastbikefest.co.za,” she said.
Public opinion, gathered from various social media platforms, seemed divided.
“I think the RTI should have provided visible policing instead so that we don’t chase our visitors away. There are a few factors that need to be considered before a provincial roadblock takes place, especially during such a big event,” said one.
“The South Coast is a tourist destination, we exist to provide tourism which in turn boosts our economy and provides jobs for a number of people who use this to feed their families. Obviously you can’t turn a blind eye to those who blatantly break the law,” said another,
“You drink and drive, you are a criminal committing a crime,” and “Don’t do the crime if you don’t want to do the time,” were other sentiments expressed.
One irate person thought it was a money-making scheme.
“I think it was a way of nailing us and making mega bucks from bail money. This looks like an attack on bikers and could put a damper on this event.”
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