After speaking with local law enforcement heads and looking at the latest stats, it appears that Newcastle and Madadeni residents are setting a concerning standard for irresponsibility.
The recent crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday, 17 November 2023, reveal that both Newcastle and Madadeni rank among the top 16 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with their respective numbers skyrocketing.
Madadeni tops the list with the SAPS reporting 327 arrests for driving under the influence from July 2023 to the end of September 2023. This marks a concerning increase of 301 more arrests compared to the same period in 2022.
Newcastle, while in 16th place, recorded 88 arrests within the three month timeframe, representing a notable surge of 66 more arrests than in the corresponding period in 2022.
Expressing concern over the high number of arrests, Amajuba District SAPS Commissioner General Fred Alexander acknowledged the worrying challenge. Whereby, he emphasised that the substantial number of arrests reflects the seriousness with which law enforcement is tackling the issue.
Delving even further into the matter, Newcastle Municipality’s Chief Traffic Officer, Ashok Anandhaw said the situation was a problem where not much thought was given by offenders regarding their choices and the outcomes.
Looking at an accident caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Traffic Chief Anandhaw pointed out, “Driving under the influence can cause injuries to people, who can become unproductive and unable to work immediately after the crash. Then there are the innocent pedestrians or other motorists who can be impacted. There is also the economic impact, which includes insurance, the cost of the damages and damage to road furniture such as traffic lights and stop signs.”
Additionally, he pointed out there is also the legal aspect. “A person caught driving under the influence by traffic officers or police officers will be arrested, detained and subjected to blood tests. The SAPS holding cells are also overpopulated by hardened criminals, and being arrested for drinking and driving affects the capacity of the cells,” said the Traffic Chief.
Anandhaw stressed that depending on the severity of the infringement, drivers faced the possibility of having their driving licenses revoked or suspended, potentially leading to job losses.
Having worked as a traffic officer for several years, he further pointed out that a number of motorists have attempted to use ridiculous excuses to evade the consequences of their actions. “One of the most common excuses for overdrinking is that the person has domestic issues, and this was the reason they drank too much,” said Anandhaw.
Another popular excuse is that the motorist drank medication, such as cough mixture. However, Anandhaw said, “A person can’t drive under the influence of medication or any drug that has a narcotic effect.”
In essence, even driving under the influence of strong medication carries consequences if caught, aligning with law enforcement categorising the offence as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In response to the prevalent issue in both Newcastle and Madadeni, General Alexander and Traffic Chief Anandhaw assured the implementation of measures to tackle this crime affecting the communities.
While General Alexander noted that there will be roadblocks during the upcoming festive season, Traffic Chief Anandhaw highlighted that the festive season plans are already in place with traffic officials putting emphasis on driving under the influence.
“There will also be more visibility and the strategic deployment of traffic officers at recognised hot spots. We will also be dealing with drunk pedestrians harshly, as they also pose a danger to themselves and other road users, so people must not think they can get drunk and walk home,” stressed Traffic Chief Anandhaw.
With local numbers skyrocketing, it is time that people start taking responsibility and not treating the law as an optional guideline. Every time you choose to behave in a lawless manner you contribute to the decline of the country.
Nevertheless, be sure to share your thoughts on this in the comment section below.
Comments 2
As long as traffic and police still solicit and accept bribes, all efforts to curb the drinking and driving problem, will be futile. Go t needs to eradicate this froth first
Taverns and shebeens play a large role in the informal economy. We cant afford to cut down on drinking. Too much potential for poverty.
And driving in the township is crazy. No hope for control