MPUMALANGA — Nearly 200 motorists were arrested on Mpumalanga roads for alleged drunk driving. A total of 199

motorists were nabbed during roadblocks conducted on various routes across the province over the Easter holidays, from 03

to 05 April 2026.

Speaking to the Highveld Chronicle on the day of the launch of Operation Paseka in Middelburg on Wednesday, 01 April

2026, Community Safety MEC Jackie Macie warned that drunk driving would not be tolerated on Mpumalanga roads.

Macie said he supports a proposal by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy for stricter laws against drunk driving. Creecy is

planning to amend the National Road Traffic Act to introduce a zero-tolerance (0.00%) blood alcohol limit and to explore

changing charges of culpable homicide to premeditated murder for drunk drivers who cause fatal crashes.

“I think we need to support the minister,” he said. “I am also lobbying that we support the minister because getting behind

the steering wheel after drinking alcohol does not happen by accident. People plan that they want to get drunk, do so and

then drive.”

The MEC added that the move is crucial as many lives are lost on the roads due to drunk driving.

“We are trying to protect so many lives that we could lose on the road because of accidents caused by drunk drivers,” he

said.

According to Mpumalanga police, the alleged drunk drivers are among 1 348 suspects arrested during the Easter weekend.

Other suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to

cause grievous bodily harm and robbery.

“Police visibility was heightened in the province, with roadblocks, stop-and-searches and patrols conducted on national,

regional and municipal roads in an effort to prevent road fatalities, as well as arrest those transporting illegal goods,” said

Colonel Mavela Masondo.

Masondo added that during raids at liquor outlets, 209 suspects were arrested for selling liquor without licences. The illegal

outlets were targeted as they often do not comply with the Liquor Act and are generators of contact crimes such as murder,

assault and rape.

In an effort to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms used in the commission of serious and violent crimes, police

recovered 11 shotguns, three rifles and about 88 rounds of ammunition. A further 22 dangerous weapons, including knives,

were also confiscated.

Other suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes as follows:

Murder — 17

Attempted murder — 11

Rape — 29

Assault GBH — 167

Dealing in drugs — 68

Possession of drugs — 82

Armed robbery — 10