Drunk driving concerns as arrests soar over Easter period

Arrests related to driving under the influence of alcohol increase as Easter weekend comes to a close

April 7, 2026

Gugu Myeni 1 minute read

RTI in KZN nabbed several motorists for drunk driving over the long weekend PHOTO: KZNDoT/Facebook

There is major concern over the high level of drunk driving arrests made across the country over the Easter weekend.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said arrests related to driving under the influence of alcohol increased by a staggering 39%.

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This comes amid intensified law enforcement operations across the country, with more than 3 000 officers deployed in KZN alone at the weekend.

According to RTMC, 934 motorists were arrested from Thursday to Saturday countrywide, representing an increase of 263 compared with the same period last year.

“There was also a noticeable 31.6% increase in the number of vehicles impounded. A total of 1 215 vehicles were impounded in the period compared to 923 in the same period last year.

“This means there were more vehicles transporting members without permits or in violation of permit conditions as people tried to make a quick buck,” said the RTMC.

There was, however, a decrease in the number of unroadworthy vehicles, with 688 compared to 979 in the same period last year.

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