100 Motorists Arrested in Newcastle for Drunk Driving Over One Weekend

A senior Newcastle municipal official, three educators, and a nurse were among 100 motorists arrested over the weekend in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Moreover, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport confirmed that the No Nonsense RTI team maintained full deployment under the ongoing #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, targeting high-risk areas across the city.

As a result, traffic enforcement was intensified, catching many motorists off guard and bringing festive celebrations to an abrupt halt.

According to the department, arrests recorded in Newcastle over the weekend were distributed as follows:

• 32 arrests from Friday evening to Saturday morning
• 36 arrests from Saturday evening to Sunday morning
• 32 arrests on Sunday afternoon

Furthermore, on Sunday evening, 28 December 2025, MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma underscored the urgency of the operation, stating:

“By 18h00 RTI had already arrested 29 motorists, including a taxi driver. They are facing drunk driving charges. A taxi driver tried to run away on foot but was quickly cornered by our energetic team.”

He added:

“Three unruly individuals who tried to stop RTI from arresting drunk motorists were quickly arrested. We thank the SAPS for the enduring partnership. We also appreciate our working relationship with Newcastle Traffic Department and the Department of Health.”

As Newcastle heads into the New Year, these arrests serve as warning: authorities are watching, enforcement remains firm, and poor decisions behind the wheel will carry consequences.

With traffic volumes expected to rise in the coming days, residents are urged to plan ahead, act responsibly, and remain mindful of the impact their actions have on fellow road users, families, and emergency services.

The message is unambiguous — road safety is a shared responsibility, and law enforcement will maintain a strong and visible presence to prevent tragedies before they occur, rather than responding after lives have already been lost.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know below. Do not forget to read, Discover Newcastle’s Hidden Festive Gems: A Seasonal Guide to the Must-Do Experiences, if you missed it.