KZN Drunk Driver Arrested for N3 Mayhem Released, South Africans Frustrated and MEC Demands Answers
- Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport, Siboniso Duma, is demanding answers after a drunk driver was released
- The driver was arrested on 14 September 2025 for causing chaos on the N3 near Pietermaritzburg and colliding with numerous vehicles
- South Africans shared their thoughts on the release of the suspect and the MEC's frustration with the latest development
- A member of the Department of Transport confirmed to Briefly News that one motorist was traumatised after the ordeal
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, is demanding answers after a drunk driver was allegedly released without appearing in court.
The driver was arrested on 14 September 2025 after causing chaos on the N3 near Pietermaritzburg, crashing into numerous vehicles and even assaulting a Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officer.
The driver was facing several charges, including driving under the influence, assault, reckless and negligent driving, and fleeing the scene of the accident.
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MEC questions the decision to release perpetrator
MEC Duma has now demanded answers after the driver was allegedly released from the Loop Street Police Station without making an appearance in court.
The MEC noted that he would be taking up the matter with the Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, Premier Thami Ntuli and Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, after receiving information about the driver’s release.
“We are flabbergasted by the allegations that the drunk driver was ordered by the Investigating Officer to appear in court next year in March,” the MEC said in a statement.
He maintained that the department was determined to protect innocent families who may have their lives destroyed by reckless motorists, and therefore it would be an abdication of responsibility if they did not establish the facts around the release of the driver.
Source: Twitter
Drunk driver causes chaos on N3
The driver, who was driving a white Mahindra bakkie, caused mayhem on the N3, first colliding with a female motorist before driving off.
The Department of Transport confirmed to Briefly News that the female motorist was traumatised by the incident. After fleeing, a team from the RTI attempted to stop the bakkie on the Chota Motala Road northbound. When confronted, the drunk driver assaulted an RTI officer and fled. During the escape, the driver
Whilst fleeing, the Mahindra collided with other vehicles on the N3, before going through the Howick area, where the driver collided with another vehicle. When it got to Hilton Avenue, the Mahindra collided with a light delivery vehicle.
A brave RTI officer was injured as he rear-ended the Mahindra in an attempt to stop it. The driver was eventually arrested, and Duma praised all the officers who risked their lives to save others and protect innocent motorists.
How did South Africans react to the news?
Social media users shared their thoughts on the situation, with many not surprised by the outcome.
@Mzansipresser stated:
“The Mahindra guy must go back to prison.”
@Kay_the_snapper stated:
“See what an average South African has to go through with these SOEs. If the MEC is frustrated by this incident, imagine us with the clinics, service delivery, local thieves getting bail, etc. This is just a reflection of how SA operates💔.”
@SiyandaNkomo10 exclaimed:
“We can blame the police officers all we want, but it’s the courts that are crooked😡.”
@BotziMarcus said:
“We all knew it was someone's influential son. He could be lounging on an island somewhere right now.”
@Mtika36101742 asked:
“Is it legal to release an arrested suspected criminal on bail without a court appearance? Any legal expert?”
@Gesh_Geshh stated:
“He can’t be fuming. All decision makers and crafters of the Constitution, laws, and bylaws are his colleagues. He must go to them and have direct discussions. If he starts, other MECs will support him because this is happening all over the country.”
Other accidents on the N3 in KZN
Briefly News reported that the stretch of the N3 in the province of KZN has been the scene of numerous accidents in 2025.
- At the end of August 2025, four people were killed when a truck and a taxi collided on the N3 near Bergville.
- Just over a week later, in September 2025, a truck lost control and crashed into 20 vehicles.
- On 14 September 2025, a runaway truck crashed into other vehicles before catching alight.
Source: Briefly News
