In a week-long clampdown on impaired driving, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) arrested 226 motorists for drunk driving. The arrests, made between 16 and 22 June, form part of the city’s intensified campaign to curb drunk driving and improve road safety across the metro.
According to JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, the arrests were the result of city-wide operations carried out throughout Johannesburg. The high number of offenders underscores the persistent and troubling presence of alcohol-related driving violations on the city’s roads.
“These operations are a key component of our broader road safety strategy,” said Fihla. “They’re designed to not only catch offenders but also deter the public from making reckless decisions behind the wheel.”
Zero Tolerance for Drunk Driving
Commissioner of Police Patrick Jaca reaffirmed the department’s firm stance on the matter, calling drunk driving one of the most dangerous threats to road safety.
“Driving under the influence remains a leading cause of traffic crashes and fatalities,” Jaca noted. “We have adopted a zero-tolerance approach because every life lost due to irresponsible behavior is one too many.”
Jaca emphasized that the department’s efforts are about more than just arrests—they’re about saving lives and changing driver behavior across Johannesburg.
Public Safety at the Forefront
JMPD officials reiterated that these enforcement actions are part of a sustained initiative aimed at long-term behavioral change among motorists. The campaign is aligned with national concerns about road safety, particularly during high-risk periods such as public holidays and seasonal shifts.
Superintendent Fihla urged drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
“We encourage residents to use alternative transportation options such as e-hailing services or designated drivers if they’ve been drinking,” he said.
The department plans to maintain high levels of visibility and continue its roadblocks and patrols throughout Johannesburg.
A Citywide Concern
The arrests come at a time when drunk driving remains a significant issue in South Africa’s most populous metropolitan area. With millions relying on the city’s roads daily, JMPD says the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“We will not slow down,” Fihla added. “Our operations will continue, and our goal remains clear—ensuring safer roads for all who live in and visit Johannesburg.”
This wave of arrests serves as a strong reminder of the city’s commitment to road safety and the consequences of making reckless choices. As enforcement continues, authorities hope that public awareness and responsibility will follow.
Related article: Traffic Fine Warning: R19.5 Million in Fines Collected at O.R. Tambo International Airport
