By Nomazulu Moyo
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has arrested 252 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol in just one week, as authorities intensify efforts to reduce road deaths linked to drunk driving.
The arrests were made between Monday, 27 April, and Sunday, 3 May, during a series of roadblocks and mobile stop-and-search operations carried out across Johannesburg. Areas targeted included the Inner City, Sandton, Soweto and Midrand.
JMPD said the operations form part of ongoing enforcement to improve road safety and ensure compliance with the National Road Traffic Act. JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca said the figures show both progress and concern. “While these arrests represent 252 potential tragedies prevented, the high number remains a serious concern,” Jaca said.
He warned that driving under the influence is not a minor mistake. “Driving while intoxicated is not an error in judgment. It is a deliberate choice to endanger the lives of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users,” he said. The department has maintained a zero-tolerance approach to drunk driving, saying officers will continue working around the clock to remove impaired drivers from the roads.
JMPD also urged motorists to make responsible choices when drinking alcohol. It advised the use of e-hailing services or appointing a sober driver to prevent accidents and save lives. The department says enforcement operations will continue in the coming weeks as part of broader road safety interventions across the city.
