Crackdown on Drunk Driving: JMPD Makes 200+ Arrests Across Joburg

Over 200 Drivers Arrested for Drunk Driving across Johannesburg

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) recently carried out a major crackdown on drunk driving, leading to over 200 drivers’ arrest between July 10-13 2025. This four-day operation targeted high-risk areas within Johannesburg to improve road safety and reduce alcohol-related traffic accidents throughout Gauteng’s urban centres.

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Operational Overview

The operation was launched as a response to high traffic accident statistics and community complaints in Soweto, Alexandra and Johannesburg CBD where officers set up late-night checkpoints with breathalyzer tests to detect drunk drivers.

Superintendent Isaac Mangena of the JMPD reported that over 350 breathalyzer tests were administered during their operation, leading to over 200 motorist arrests; most of whom were detained at the scene and their vehicles impounded for further investigation.

Legal Framework and Penalties

Under South Africa’s National Road Traffic Act of 1996, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit (BAC) limit is:

• Normal drivers: 0.05g of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
• Professional drivers (such as taxi and bus drivers ): 0.02 grams per 100 millilitres.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol at levels above these limits constitutes a criminal offense and may incur severe penalties, including:
• Immediate arrest with potential fines and up to six years’ imprisonment (possible).
• Suspension of Driving License.
• Repeat offenders or those involved in fatal accidents could face more severe charges, even murder charges.

Drunk Driving and Road Safety in South Africa

Alcohol impairment remains the leading cause of fatal accidents in South Africa, according to a 2024 report issued by Road Traffic Management Corporation. Alcohol impairment was involved in over 40% of all fatal crashes. JMPD has pledged its efforts at curbing driving under the influence through proactive enforcement and education campaigns aimed at curbing driving under the influence incidents, particularly over weekends and holidays when DUI incidents may increase significantly.

Public Awareness and Cooperation

The JMPD is encouraging members of the public to remain vigilant in reporting any suspected intoxicated drivers and use the 24-hour emergency number as soon as they see any unsafe drivers on the roads.

Additionally, members of the public should:

• Consider safer transport options such as eHailing services or designated drivers.
• Support public campaigns promoting sober driving and road safety.

Superintendent Mangena highlighted the significance of community participation to make Johannesburg roads safer for everyone.

Reminder to Motorists

Always plan your journeys with safety as the top priority.

If you have been drinking, do not drive. Instead opt for safer alternatives like using an eHailing service, designated driver service or public transit if appropriate – your safety as well as that of others on the road should always come first.

What’s Next?

The JMPD in partnership with Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and South African Police Service (SAPS), JMPD will continue enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against impaired driving until 2025. Education, law enforcement and behavior modification will all play a part in decreasing South Africa’s high rate of traffic-related deaths.