'Celebrity Status Won’t Help': KZN MEC Issues Warning After Asavela Mqokiyana’s Arrest

• KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma responded after actress Asavela Mqokiyana was arrested for allegedly driving at 198km/h
• Mqokiyana was caught by the Road Traffic Inspectorate on the N2 near Ellingham in a BMW X3 SUV
• Duma warned that celebrity status would not protect motorists from the law as festive season enforcement ramps up

KWAZULU-NATAL - KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has spoken out following the arrest of actress and model Asavela Mqokiyana, who was allegedly caught driving at 198km/h in a 120km/h zone.

Duma said the arrest sends a clear message that celebrity status will not shield motorists from the law as traffic authorities intensify their road safety operations ahead of the festive season.

Transport department issues statement

According to a statement from the MEC, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) team from Park Rynie arrested Mqokiyana along the N2 near Ellingham. She was reportedly driving a BMW X3 SUV when she was caught allegedly travelling at 198km/h.

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The actress appeared in court on 19 October 2026 and is expected to return to the Scottburgh Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.

See X post about the MEC's remarks here:

KZN Transport Department sends a warning to motorists

Duma used the arrest to emphasise that traffic authorities would continue enforcing road regulations, regardless of a motorist’s public profile. He said the department's enforcement efforts were ongoing during Transport Month, with authorities preparing for increased traffic during the festive season.

"RTI will have no mercy this festive season," the department said.

Between 15 and 21 October 2026, the RTI and Operation Shanela teams stopped 12,073 vehicles and charged 1,719 motorists with various traffic offences. The department reported 421 speeding charges, while 87 motorists were charged with driving without valid driver's licences. Another 141 motorists faced charges for failing to wear seatbelts.

Authorities also identified 112 unlicensed vehicles and impounded 140 vehicles operating without the required permits. Duma said more than 26 multidisciplinary operations were planned between 22 and 28 October as part of the department's continued efforts to enforce traffic laws.

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The MEC reiterated that motorists must comply with road regulations, warning that celebrity status would not exempt anyone from accountability. The department's message comes as authorities step up enforcement measures to promote safer roads and discourage dangerous driving ahead of the busy festive season.

Unathi Nkayi speaks after alleged DUI

Previously, Briefly News reported that media personality and singer Unathi Nkayi broke her silence after facing an intense wave of backlash across social media over her alleged run-in with the law. However, despite the massive uproar online, the veteran star seems completely unmoved and unfazed by the viral drama. Shocking reports surfaced on 23 May 2026 claiming she had been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Source: Briefly News