End-of-snow parties end in arrests as KZN drunk-driving tally hits 6 549

Sixteen motorists were arrested for drunk driving in Newcastle following end-of-snow parties held in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said the arrests bring the total number of motorists arrested for drunk driving under the province’s #NenzaniLaEzweni operation to 6,549 since its launch on August 15, 2025.

According to Duma, those arrested included a taxi driver, union organiser, IT technician, intern, radiologist, prison warden, administrative clerk, packaging operator, landscaper, six unemployed people and a self-employed person.

Duma said the operation had faced resistance when it was launched, but that the Road Traffic Inspectorate remained focused on reducing road crashes and fatalities.

He thanked the SA Police Service, Health Department, Home Affairs Department and the National Prosecuting Authority for supporting the operation, adding that more than 98% of drunk-driving cases had resulted in convictions.