“Sober up or get arrested if you get behind the wheel.”

This is the short but stern message from Witbank SAPS, acting Station Commander Colonel Nonhlanhla Kgosana, who announced a zero tolerance policy for drunk driving this festive season.

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This comes after a disturbing increase in drunk driving arrests in eMalahleni in which a total of 28 people were arrested for the offence in the past week, 18 of which were arrested over this weekend.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious crime that endangers the lives of innocent road users, including pedestrians, passengers and other motorists. Witbank SAPS will not tolerate drunk driving on our roads,” Kgosana said.

She urged drivers who has a few ‘toots’ to be responsible and ask a designated driver to take them home, call a Bolt or phone a friend to pick them up.

“We want everyone to arrive alive. No celebration is worth a life,” Kgosana said, adding that they will continue conducting roadblocks and high-density operations throughout the festive season to ensure the safety of all road users.

The Mpumalanga Community Safety and Security Department’s spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said from their side, they can confirm that over 80 people were arrested for alleged drinking and driving throughout the province.

“As part of the province’s road‑safety initiatives, Alcohol Project stints were conducted across Mpumalanga. Between  December 1 and 20, approximately 88 drivers were arrested for alleged driving while under the influence. Of these, 60 were detained over the weekend. Several suspects have already appeared in magistrates’ courts, and those arrested this weekend are expected to appear on Monday.”

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“We again appeal to motorists to desist from drinking and driving. Alcohol and the steering wheel are a deadly combination that has caused preventable road crashes. Passengers should never agree to be driven by drunk drivers; they should report such incidents to the police to save lives,” said Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie.

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