STATE OF THE ART: Officially opening eThekwini’s Alcohol Evidence Centre were Nomvuzo Shabalala, Deputy City Manager of Safety and Security Bheki Mkhize and Greg Uys, General Manager of SAB, which sponsored the centre

Picture By: SIHLE MANDA

Story By: ZIBUSE NDLOVU and SIHLE MANDA

Motorists who drink and drive in Durban over the festive season now stand an even bigger chance of being caught and punished, thanks to the recent opening of a hitech Alcohol Evidence Centre. The multi-million-rand centre is kitted out with state-ofthe- art equipment, including closed circuit TV cameras, all sponsored by South African Breweries (SAB) . Chairwoman of the Health, Safety and Social Services Committee, Councillor Nomvuzo Shabalala said, “We are grateful for this hi-tech equipment. It will go a long way in helping fight alcohol and substance abuse. “We are concerned about taverns mushrooming in townships, and we hope this centre will help motorists think twice about driving under the influence.”

Metro Police Head Eugene Nzama said, “The mobile centre will operate 24 hours a day, with 20 officers recruited from all Metro Police regions. “It will enable officers to accurately and effectively detect alcohol levels with a single breath sample. The results are admissible in court and will speed the prosecution of drunken drivers.” The centre is the fourth of its kind to open in KwaZulu- Natal; the others are in Pietermaritzburg, Ballito and Port Shepstone. They and others across the country have already dramatically improved drunk driving prosecution rates. “Prior to breathe testing, prosecutions were reliant on blood testing and this used to delay the arrest process,” said Nzama. SAB General Manager Greg Uys said research has shown that effective enforcement and prosecution were the most effective ways to change attitudes and behaviour among those who drink and drive. “This is what prompted us to embark on this campaign,” said Uys.

Roadblocks

Metro Police Spokesman Eugene Msomi said the new centre, coupled with intensified roadblocks meant that, “Motorists who do not want to comply with the law will be in rouble this festive season. Motorists whose blood carries more than 0.24 milligrams of alcohol per 1000 millilitres will be arrested, detained in a SAPS facility and charged witha criminal offence.” Meanwhile, a new number plate recognition system was launched and demonstrated. This will help identify motorists owing traffic fines and those with warrants of arrest. During the demonstration, 23 motorists were identified in just 30 minutes. Metro Police Deputy Head Titus Malaza said, “This system eliminates stopping vehicles unnecessarily and is able to pick up if the approaching vehicle has warrants and fines from a distance of 50m.”

ndlovuz@durban.gov.za

mandas@durban.gov.za