Eastern Cape traffic officers put 68 drunk drivers behind bars

In the Eastern Cape, traffic officers have apprehended 68 individuals suspected of drunk driving, according to recent reports. The arrests took place in the Buffalo City Metro and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro on the same day. Buffalo City authorities recorded 43 of these arrests, while Nelson Mandela Bay recorded 25. The enforcement operation is part of the Department's Women's Month activities, with female traffic officers spearheading the initiative.

Unathi Binqose, a spokesperson for the Provincial Transport Department, provided additional details. One of the motorists arrested in Zwelitsha faces additional charges of reckless driving, intimidation, and defeating the ends of justice. This individual allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement officers. Binqose emphasized that these 68 suspected drunk drivers have been removed from the roads in the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metro.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development, represented by MEC Xolile Nqatha, explained that these arrests are not solely about enforcing the law. Rather, they aim to prevent crashes from occurring, thereby saving lives and alleviating the burden on emergency and health services. Nqatha stressed that the message is clear: if you drink and drive, the women in blue will find you.