Durban - Metro police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi, said about 200 people have been arrested at roadblocks for driving drunk since the beginning of the festive season.
He said metro police have kept busy holding roadblocks along Victoria Embankment, in Chatsworth, KwaMashu, Durban North and along the Ruth First Highway, to name a few.
“We have been busy since roadblocks began just after the festive plan was launched. We try to be unpredictable about where we have roadblocks and often have two simultaneously in different areas.
“The CBD and beachfront are priority areas, so we have them there and in another area.”
He said at any major roadblock they have a roving roadblock, which consists of two cars driving around to prevent people from using side access roads to avoid the roadblock.
“Anyone found doing this is arrested and taken to the roadblock, where their blood is tested by a medical practitioner. Our aim is not to arrest people, but to make them think (twice) about drinking and driving and to avoid accidents.”
He said petty crime on the beachfront was low given that the number of visitors to the beachfront had increased.
“Incidents of petty crime reported along the beachfront include fighting in public and an attempted rape a few days ago, where the suspect was arrested. There have been no other major incidents,” said Msomi.
Sunday Tribune