Minibus Driver Arrested for Drunk Driving Near Katlehong Primary School

• A minibus taxi driver was arrested for driving under the influence near a primary school in Katlehong
• The driver's alcohol level was recorded at 0.37, well above the legal limit for professional drivers
• The ongoing inspections aim to ensure the safety and compliance of scholar transport vehicles across Gauteng

Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.

GAUTENG, EKURHULENI - A minibus taxi driver was taken into custody on Monday morning, 26 January 2026, after being found allegedly driving under the influence near a primary school in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.

Taxi being driven with its door open

The driver, who was transporting commuters at the time, drew police attention when officers noticed the taxi being driven with its door open. After stopping the vehicle, traffic officials conducted a breathalyser test and determined that the driver’s alcohol level was well above the legal limit. Authorities conducting inspections in the area said the driver’s alcohol reading was recorded at 0.37, far exceeding the permitted limit for professional drivers. In addition to the drunk-driving charge, the driver is also expected to face charges related to vehicle non-compliance, including improperly fitted number plates.

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The arrest took place while national traffic police and officials from the Gauteng Transport Department were inspecting scholar transport vehicles near Ntuthuko Primary School. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure that vehicles transporting learners meet safety and roadworthiness requirements. Officials indicated that similar inspections will continue across the province as part of broader compliance and road safety measures.

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The taxi driver involved in a fatal crash near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal was reportedly reprimanded for reckless driving just last week. That’s according to Gauteng Education Member of the Executive Committee (MEC), Matome Chiloane, who was speaking from the scene of the fatal crash. Thirteen children lost their lives in the accident, which happened on the Golden Highway between Bophelong and Sebokeng on 17 January 2026. 14 learners were declared dead at the scene, while another learner succumbed to their injuries later.

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Two City of Cape Town law enforcement officers have been arrested after they allegedly demanded a R3,000 bribe from a drunk motorist. The arrest follows a sting operation by the South African Police Service's anti-corruption unit just over a week ago. It is reported that the two officers stopped a motorist for driving under the influence of alcohol on Voortrekker Road in Parow. The officers, aged 30 and 34, allegedly demanded a bribe to let the driver go instead of arresting the suspect.

A tragic accident in Camps Bay has reignited calls for stricter road accountability after a motorist accused of killing a cyclist was granted bail by the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court. The 27-year-old driver, facing charges of culpable homicide, reckless driving, negligent driving, and driving under the influence, was released on R15 000 bail following his appearance.

Source: Briefly News