Chris Hani District Among Eastern Cape Drunk Driving Arrest Hotspots

451 Drunk Driving Arrests Recorded in Eastern Cape as Chris Hani District Among Hotspots

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has raised serious concern after a sharp increase in drunk driving arrests over two consecutive pre-Christmas weekends, with the Chris Hani District once again featuring prominently in the latest figures.

According to the Department, a total of 451 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol across the province during intensified law-enforcement operations conducted over the past two weekends. The arrests come as traffic volumes increase significantly ahead of Christmas, with thousands of families travelling long distances to reunite for the festive season.

Chris Hani District Under the Spotlight

Of the total arrests recorded, 58 motorists were arrested in the Chris Hani District, which includes Komani (Queenstown) and surrounding towns. This places the district among the areas with the highest number of drunk driving arrests in the province, highlighting ongoing challenges around road safety and driver behaviour in the region.

The district’s figures follow closely behind Amathole, which recorded 74 arrests, while OR Tambo reported 43, Alfred Nzo 35, Joe Gqabi 15 and Sarah Baartman 13.

Two Weekends, Hundreds Arrested

During enforcement operations conducted last weekend, 213 motorists were arrested across the Eastern Cape for driving under the influence. Despite repeated public warnings and appeals for responsible behaviour, a further 238 motorists were arrested this weekend, up to 06h00 on Sunday, 21 December 2025.

These combined figures have alarmed authorities, particularly as alcohol-related crashes remain one of the leading contributors to fatal accidents, serious injuries and long-term trauma on South African roads.

Festive Season Enforcement Intensified

The Department of Transport has confirmed that roadblocks, patrols and visible policing will continue to be intensified throughout the festive season, including major routes passing through the Chris Hani District. Authorities have reiterated that there will be zero tolerance for drunk driving, and motorists found to be over the legal limit will face immediate arrest and prosecution.

Local traffic officials have also warned that enforcement operations will not be limited to highways only, but will extend to secondary roads, town entrances and urban areas where festive travel and social gatherings increase the risk of alcohol-related driving.

Call for Responsible Road Use

Motorists travelling through Komani and the wider Chris Hani District are urged to plan their journeys responsibly, make use of designated drivers or alternative transport, and avoid getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

As the festive season reaches its peak, authorities have stressed that no journey is worth a life, and that responsible choices on the road can prevent needless loss, injury and heartbreak for families across the province.

The Department has appealed to all road users to work together to ensure safer roads during the festive period and beyond.