PIC | Drunk driver’s rampage leaves trail of crashed cars

Durban – KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has commended Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers for their bravery after a high-speed chase led to the arrest of a drunk motorist who caused multiple crashes on the N3 in the early hours of Saturday morning.

In a statement issued from Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House, Duma said he received reports around 02h30 detailing “the mayhem caused by a drunk motorist on the N3.”

According to Duma, a distressed female driver had alerted RTI officers after a drunk driver collided with her vehicle and fled the scene.

“The vigilant RTI team spotted and stopped a speeding white Mahindra bakkie on Chota Motala Road northbound,” he said.

“When confronted, the drunk driver assaulted the RTI officer and fled,” Duma added.

“Whilst fleeing, the Mahindra collided with other vehicles on the N3. The drunk driver drove through the Howick area and collided with another vehicle before heading towards Hilton via the R103. On Hilton Avenue, once again, the Mahindra collided with a light delivery vehicle.”

Duma said RTI officer Phiwokuhle Ndabezitha was injured during the pursuit after rear-ending the Mahindra. “We wish him a speedy recovery. He showed bravery and went the extra mile to save innocent lives,” the MEC said.

The drunk motorist was eventually arrested and remanded in custody.

“He faces several charges, such as assault and fleeing the scene of the accident. He is also facing reckless and negligent driving charges,” Duma confirmed.

Meanwhile, a separate incident on the N2 southbound saw RTI officers from Park Rynie arrest an IT specialist for excessive speeding. “He was caught driving at 192 km/h at a range of 344.8 metres,” Duma said.

The MEC highlighted that the arrests come amid a crackdown on reckless and drunk driving in the province.

“Months ago, I mandated the team to clean up our road networks by coming down very hard on reckless and drunk motorists,” he said.

“It is for these reasons we have advertised 278 posts of traffic officers. This is part of strengthening our dedicated and efficient RTI team.”