A dramatic scene unfolded in Jozini when a motorist, caught speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol, attempted to bribe Road Traffic Inspectorate officers with R700 and braai meat. The incident occurred during the ongoing #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, which aims to reduce road fatalities and improve safety on KwaZulu-Natal’s roads.
The driver, who was intercepted in Umkhuze, allegedly offered the officers R500 and later topped it up with R200 and braai meat in a bid to avoid arrest. However, the attempted bribery was captured on camera and will be used as evidence in court.
Drunk Driving Epidemic
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma praised the Road Traffic Inspectorate officers for their integrity and commitment to their duties. He noted that the attempted bribery was a clear indication of the prevalent culture of corruption in the country.
Duma stated that the most significant challenge faced by law enforcement agencies is the temptation to resort to unethical conduct, particularly during difficult economic times. He emphasized the need to reverse this culture and promote good governance.
RTI’s Efforts to Reduce Road Fatalities
The Road Traffic Inspectorate has been working tirelessly to reduce road fatalities in the province. In a separate operation in January, a father and his daughter were among more than 45 motorists arrested for drunk driving in Mtubatuba.
The daughter had allegedly arrived at the scene intoxicated to collect her arrested father. The arrests were carried out by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport’s Road Traffic Inspectorate as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety on the province’s roads.
Some of the key statistics from the operation include:
- Over 45 motorists arrested for drunk driving
- A father and daughter arrested for drunk driving
- A fisherman attempted to bribe officers with fish
For more information on the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, visit the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport website.
The operation is part of a broader effort to reduce road fatalities and improve safety on South Africa’s roads. According to the Arrive Alive website, road fatalities are a major concern in the country, with thousands of people losing their lives on the roads every year.</p)
