Durban – A pastor was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol while travelling to a baptism ceremony in northern KwaZulu-Natal, the provincial Department of Transport has confirmed.
In a social media post shared on Monday, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport said the pastor was stopped by members of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) on the R618 near St Lucia in the uMkhanyakude District.
According to the department, the pastor was leading a convoy of congregants on their way to St Lucia Beach for a cleansing and baptism ceremony when RTI officers pulled him over during a routine operation.
Officials said they detected a strong smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle and conducted a breathalyser test.
The test allegedly returned a blood alcohol content reading of 0.360%, well above the legal limit, prompting officers to arrest the pastor on suspicion of drunk driving.
The department said the pastor was cooperative during the arrest.
In its social media post, the department added a humorous twist, claiming the pastor quoted 1 John 1:9, saying: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
According to the department, RTI officers responded before taking him into custody.
The pastor’s identity has not been released, and it is unclear when he is expected to appear in court.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport said the arrest serves as a reminder that no one is above the law and urged motorists to refrain from drinking and driving.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
