EASTERN CAPE – The Eastern Cape Department of Transport’s Women’s Month law enforcement operations have resulted in the arrest of 68 suspected drunk drivers across Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metros as authorities intensify efforts to curb impaired driving and road deaths.

According to the department, Buffalo City Metro recorded 43 arrests, while Nelson Mandela Bay Metro registered 25.

The department said one of the drivers arrested in Zwelitsha faces additional charges of reckless driving, intimidation and defeating the ends of justice after allegedly attempting to evade law enforcement officers when he was stopped.

The driver was subsequently pursued and apprehended but allegedly attempted to intimidate members of the enforcement team.

“The operations form part of the department’s broader Women’s Month road safety campaign, which has seen female traffic officers take the lead in intensified law enforcement operations across the province,” the department said.

As the country marks Women’s Day today, 9 August, the department said its women in blue are already out on the roads, continuing with the crackdown on impaired driving and other dangerous road behaviour.

“Their presence is about more than enforcement; it is about preventing crashes, saving lives and protecting road users,” the department said.

“The department commends the female traffic officers for their professionalism, courage and commitment to keeping the province’s roads safe.”

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