The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has confirmed a significant drop in road deaths and crashes across the Empangeni region — which includes King Cetshwayo, Zululand, and Umkhanyakude districts — as part of its intensified December operations under the “No Nonsense RTI” initiative.
From 1 December to early January, the region reported the following results:
Key Outcomes from Empangeni RTI Operation
- 30% decrease in road deaths
- 17% decrease in road crashes
- 300 motorists arrested for drunk driving
- 27,972 cars stopped and searched
- 4,291 motorists charged for traffic violations
MEC Duma: RTI is not stopping
Transport and Human Settlements MEC Sipho Duma stated that the department is continuing its #NenzaniLaEzweni operation across high-risk areas such as Richards Bay.
“We are receiving words of appreciation from nurses about the positive impact. Road accidents have decreased, resulting in fewer trauma admissions,” said Duma.
Regional impact and enforcement focus
The enforcement drive forms part of ongoing festive season safety measures. Richards Bay, a transport hub in the north, has seen increased RTI patrols and arrests.
Officials say the success of the operation has led to:
- Fewer hospital trauma cases
- Greater visibility of law enforcement
- Ongoing clampdown on drunk driving and vehicle compliance
