As South Africans welcomed the New Year, law enforcement intensified its crackdown on driving under the influence, with Ladysmith emerging as a focal point under the Road Traffic Inspectorate’s (RTI) #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation. Traditionally, the festive period sees a surge in alcohol‑related road incidents; therefore, this year became a critical test of the province’s zero‑tolerance policy.
The KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Transport reported that on Wednesday evening, 31 December 2025, over 25 motorists were arrested in Ezakheni, Ladysmith, effectively beginning the New Year behind bars.
Moreover, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma noted that since 1 December 2025, and through the ongoing #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, the province has recorded measurable improvements in road safety outcomes. He said the campaign had delivered results beyond arrests alone, pointing to reductions in both fatalities and crashes linked to stricter enforcement.
According to figures released by the department, the campaign has recorded a 9% decrease in road fatalities and a 6% reduction in crashes. Since 15 August 2025, a total of 2 885 motorists have been arrested for driving under the influence, while 112 736 vehicles have been stopped and searched as part of intensified operations. Authorities say these figures reflect the combined impact of visible policing, coordinated enforcement, and public awareness efforts.
The arrests in Ladysmith follow a similarly intensive enforcement drive in Newcastle during the festive period.
As previously reported by Newcastillian News, 100 motorists were arrested over one weekend for driving under the influence, with arrests spread across multiple timeframes. These included 32 arrests from Friday evening to Saturday morning, 36 from Saturday evening to Sunday morning, and a further 32 on Sunday afternoon.
Among those detained were a senior municipal official, three educators, and a nurse. On Sunday evening, 28 December 2025, MEC Duma confirmed that by 18h00, RTI officers had already detained 29 motorists, including a taxi driver who attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended. He further noted that three individuals who attempted to obstruct officers were also arrested.
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While enforcement remains a key tool, authorities have repeatedly stressed that lasting road safety improvements depend on behavioural change among road users.
Drunk driving, officials warn, is not only a policing concern but a persistent threat to public safety, with reckless decisions placing innocent lives at risk.
Recent events in Newcastle underscore this concern. In Coronation Road, residents reported hours of reckless driving involving speeding, drifting, and alcohol consumption, with vehicles repeatedly racing through the suburban area. Despite the prolonged disturbance and visible risk, no law enforcement presence was observed during the incident.
Whether this reflects a failure to report the behaviour or a lack of response after reports were made remains unclear. Newcastillian News will seek clarity from the relevant authorities regarding the incident and the response protocols in place.
With the above in mind, what are your thoughts? Let us know below.
Do not forget to read, Mediclinic Newcastle Welcomes Dr Thando Khumalo as Principal Clinical Manager in Partnership with ER Consulting, if you missed it.
One Response
Be safe people why are there still so many drunk drivers on the road you know you are going to be caught what gets to me is so called responsible people like nurse and paramedic you see what the consequences are at these accidents and hospitals from alcohol but you do it yourself shocking