MEC for transport, community safety and liaison Willies Mchunu applauded law enforcers for the arrest of 142 motorists who were caught driving under the influence of alcohol recently.

Mchunu commended the work by traffic officers and the integrated planning by law enforcement agencies to crack down on traffic offenders.

The joint operations are combined efforts of Road Traffic Inspectorate, South African Police Service, SARS and various municipal enforcement officials.

Mchunu spokesperson Kwanele Ncalane confirmed the 142 people were arrested in various operations across the province.

The major contributors to this high number of arrests were Durban, Mpangeni and Jozini.

“Fifty-four were arrested in Durban in a major operation on the M25 near KwaMashu,” Ncalane said.

Mchunu believes this is just the start and warned other offending motorists that they will be shown no mercy. Said Mchunu: “It is alarming to see so many people arrested during this (past) weekend alone. I condemn those who disregard the rule of law by drinking and driving.

“We will continue to intensify our road safety campaigns and education through Operation Valingozi.” – Peter Ramothwala