Over 1 000 motorists arrested for drunk driving in EC in December

A person arrested during the festive season road traffic campaign.

More than a thousand motorists have been arrested for drunk driving in the Eastern Cape since the start of December.

Provincial Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose says 275 arrests were recorded between December 24 and 28, with the OR Tambo district recording the highest number of arrests, followed by the Amathole and Alfred Ndzo districts.

Binqose says the past weekend saw several high-profile arrests, including two Public Prosecutors, demonstrating that no one is above the law.

“It’s over a thousand drivers that have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in the Eastern Cape and that sends a strong and clear message that no one is above the law. If you are drunk and get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol, you will be arrested.”

“As much as we hate to say it, we fear that there may be more arrests to come as we are heading towards the New Year, our officers will be out in full force,” adds Binqose.

WATCH | The Eastern Cape Transport Department aims to maintain the downward trajectory in road fatalities until the end of the festive season. It says it has recorded fewer fatalities on the roads compared with the same period last year. pic.twitter.com/715i8mzKUC

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 24, 2025