WATCH | Drunk driver cries uncontrollably over party’s election defeat

A motorist arrested for drunk driving in Greytown cried uncontrollably, telling Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers that his political party’s defeat in the local government elections was the reason he had been drinking.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said the incident was reported by RTI officers during the #NenzaniLaEzweni road safety operation.

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In a statement on Saturday, Duma said the motorist had cited “the loss of his political party in the local government elections as the main reason for his drinking and driving behaviour”.

The motorist also pleaded with officers that “he should not be the only one singled out”, pointing out that other motorists were also drinking – some celebrating their political parties’ victories while others, like him, were “drinking to cope with disappointment”.

Duma said the motorist had encouraged RTI officers to intensify the operation.

The man was among several people arrested in the Umvoti Local Municipality. Those arrested included a South African Police Service warrant officer, a taxi driver, a truck driver, two unemployed people, a pensioner and an administrative clerk.

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Duma said more than 7 110 motorists had been arrested for drunk driving since the launch of the #NenzaniLaEzweni operation.

He said RTI would “accelerate the execution” of the operation as the country heads towards the festive season.