142 drunk drivers arrested in one week as Gauteng road fatalities increase
Mapaballo Borotho
- Johannesburg police arrested 142 motorists for drunk driving in just one week amid rising road fatalities in Gauteng.
- The arrests followed intensified JMPD roadblocks and patrols conducted between 12 and 18 January 2026.
- Authorities warn that drunk driving is a preventable offence and say enforcement will continue 24/7.
A total of 142 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Johannesburg in just one week, as concerns grow over rising road fatalities across Gauteng.
The arrests were made between Monday, 12 January and Sunday, 18 January 2026, during intensified operations by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
These included high-visibility roadblocks, roving patrols and targeted enforcement across major routes and known hotspots in the city.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said drunk driving remains one of the leading contributors to road accidents and fatalities on South African roads, describing the figures as deeply concerning given that the offence is entirely preventable.
“Every individual who chooses to drive under the influence makes a conscious decision to endanger not only their own life, but also the lives of innocent pedestrians and fellow motorists,” Fihla said. “Each arrest represents a potential tragedy averted and a life saved.”
Fihla urged residents and visitors to prioritise road safety, warning that JMPD will continue deploying resources around the clock.
“Our message is clear: if you choose to drink and drive, you will be arrested,” he said.
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