A scholar transport driver was arrested for drunk driving whilst transporting 12 learners in Somerset West on Tuesday 27 January.
City of Cape Town traffic officers arrested the 48-year-old driver in Oak Street, near a local primary school, after detecting alcohol on his breath during a routine check following public complaints about scholar transport services.
Kevin Jacobs, spokesperson for the City’s Traffic Services, confirmed that a breathalyser test revealed the driver was over the legal limit.
“Public transport operators such as scholar transport drivers have a stricter alcohol limit of 0,02g/100ml compared to 0,05g/100ml for other drivers,” Jacobs explained.
All 12 children were safely removed from the 15-seater minibus taxi during the arrest, with a law enforcement officer stepping in to complete the school drop-off route. Authorities confirmed that none of the learners were injured or traumatised during the incident.
The driver, who is an employee rather than owner of the transport business, was taken to holding cells at Somerset West Police Station. The vehicle owner was immediately notified and the minibus was impounded for not being roadworthy and its license was suspended.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Suzan Jantjies confirmed that the driver has been charged with drunk driving and released on bail. He is scheduled to appear in Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 7 April.
The incident underscores the heightened responsibility placed on those transporting vulnerable passengers and follows intensified scholar transport enforcement across the Western Cape after the tragic Vanderbijlpark crash highlighted safety concerns.
Between 14 and 23 January, provincial traffic officers conducted 45 operations, stopping over 1 600 vehicles and issuing 1 250 fines totaling R580 000. They impounded 46 vehicles and discontinued 23 unroadworthy vehicles, many transporting learners. To boot, three drivers were arrested for driving under the influence, with one recording 0,68 mg/l – significantly over the limit. Officials identified key risks including illegal transport vehicles, drunk driving, dangerous overloading and unroadworthy vehicles.
“Our foremost concern is the safety of every learner who depends on transport to get to and from school each day,” said provincial Mobility minister Isaac Sileku, urging transport operators, parents and guardians to take proactive steps to protect children’s lives.
Rules and tips summary
A reminder to transport operators and drivers:
• Keep vehicles roadworthy or don’t operate. Unsafe vehicles put lives at risk.
• No driving under the influence – ever. Zero tolerance. Zero excuses.
• Don’t overload. One extra passenger can cost a life.
• Stay legal. All licences and permits must be valid – always.
• Stick to approved routes. No shortcuts. No detours.
• Be the example. Drive safely, obey the law and model good behaviour.
• Keep parents and schools informed. Clear communication builds trust and safety.
• Do daily pre-trip checks. A few minutes can prevent disaster.
• Every learner must have a seat. No standing. No laps. No sharing seats.
• Report illegal operators. Protect learners and the reputation of compliant operators.
Parents are encouraged to:
• verify that transport vehicles are roadworthy;
• ensure drivers are properly licensed and sober;
• avoid agreeing to overloaded transport arrangements;
• observe loading practices and question unsafe behaviour; and
• report illegal or unsafe transport operations.
