Gauteng 'tender tycoon' arrested for drunk, reckless driving in KZN as RTI cracks down

A service provider with government contracts worth billions of rands has been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for drunk driving, reckless driving, and fleeing from law enforcement.

The arrest was confirmed on Sunday following the latest #NenzaniLaEzweni festive-season road safety blitz conducted by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).

Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said this was a result of the law enforcement agencies being “determined to restore law and order” on the province’s roads.

According to Duma, the suspect, a Gauteng-based service provider doing business with the state, was arrested in Port Shepstone after a dangerous chase.

“The arrest of a motorist… who drove recklessly towards oncoming traffic, skipped four red robots, fled from RTI officers, and hid inside a house is a clear indication that we are determined to restore law and order,” Duma said.

RTI officers intercepted the suspect after a pursuit that ended with the motorist attempting to evade arrest by hiding in a residential property.

Duma praised the officers involved, singling out a female traffic officer for her bravery.

“In particular, we salute the female RTI officer who pursued the reckless motorist together with her colleague,” he said. “The two were brave and fearless in defense of innocent road users.”

The arrest forms part of a wider crackdown on drunk driving across the province during the festive season, a period historically marked by spikes in road fatalities.

Between Saturday night and Sunday morning, RTI officers arrested 95 motorists for driving under the influence across three regions.

In Stanger, 39 motorists were arrested, including two police officers and one motorist from Gauteng.

Newcastle recorded 36 arrests, among them a senior municipal official, three educators and a nurse.

Port Shepstone recorded 20 arrests, including the Gauteng-based service provider.

Duma said the operation demonstrated growing cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

“A swift response from other RTI team members and SAPS was a display of an enduring partnership focusing on creating hope for a better future,” he said.

KZN authorities have intensified roadblocks and patrols this festive season, warning that no status or political connections will shield offenders from arrest.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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