Low prosecution rate of drunken drivers atrocious

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
MR. TEMBA VEZI - MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON TRANSPORT

September 12, 2006

The IFP spokesperson on Transport, Mr. Temba Vezi, today expressed shock at the low rate of prosecution of drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

Mr. Vezi said: "The IFP finds it atrocious that only four out of one hundred drunken drivers are prosecuted in this country. Even more horrific, is the fact that those who do end up in court, will either be let off by a technicality or a fine not exceeding R5000."

Further, Mr, Vezi added:"With testing facilities not being available or not in working order, ineffectual policing and delays in blood testing, the criminal justice system is falling apart and failing the public dismally."

Mr. Vezi concluded by saying: "60% of road deaths in South Africa can be attributed to drunken driving even though we have the strictest punishments for drunken driving. A driver can be fined up to R120 000 or six months in jail for drunken driving, but what is the use of having such high fines or jail terms if the perpetrators do not even get as far as a breathalyser?

The IFP would like to call on the Transport Minister and the National Road Traffic Agency to improve the policing of drunken drivers, and to work with the Department of Health to reduce the backlog of blood tests for drunken driving cases."


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Mr. Temba Vezi - MP: 076 287 8754
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848