Newcastle drunk driving crackdown: Priest quotes bible during arrest
Motorist that were arrested by the RTI for alleged drunk driving in Newcastle
Image: KZN department of Transport
A PRIEST quoting scripture during his arrest was among 35 motorists caught driving under the influence in Newcastle during KwaZulu-Natal's #NenzaniLaEzweni road safety campaign.
Officials remained professional as the clergyman warned them about divine punishment while being processed at the roadblock.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, confirmed that 357 motorists were arrested for drunk driving across the province over the weekend with 35 of those arrests in Newcastle.
According to Duma, the priest was stopped during a routine roadblock where RTI officers suspected he was driving under the influence of alcohol.
After conducting the necessary checks, officers established that he was allegedly drunk while driving.
“When the RTI team questioned him, the priest responded by reminding the officers that they would go to heaven one day,” said Duma.
“He told them to behave nicely and not commit sin, warning that God would punish them,” he added.
Duma said the priest quoted from the Bible while speaking to officers at the scene.
He said RTI officials listened respectfully before proceeding with the arrest once he had finished speaking.
The MEC praised law enforcement officers for remaining professional during the encounter and for continuing with their duties without fear or favour.
“We pay tribute to Durban Metro Police and SAPS for working in partnership with TRI as part of cleaning up our road networks,” said Duma.
The Department of Transport has warned that drunk driving will not be tolerated, regardless of a person’s position in society, and that operations would continue across KwaZulu-Natal.