News

Drunk Driver’s Shock Release in Pietermaritzburg Sparks Public Fury

Published

2 hours ago

September 16, 2025

Chiraag

drunk driver Pietermaritzburg, N3 Hilton crash KZN, Siboniso Duma road safety, police release outrage, reckless driving South Africa, Pietermaritzburg traffic officer assault, KZN justice accountability, Joburg ETC

A night of chaos on the N3

It started on a Friday night in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, when a suspected drunk driver tore down the N3, smashing into cars and allegedly assaulting a Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officer in the chaos. His reckless spree left behind damaged vehicles, including two state-owned patrol cars, and a shaken public that has grown weary of lawlessness on South African roads.

The man was eventually cornered and taken into custody at Pietermaritzburg Central Police Station. By Sunday morning, however, he was free. Not only was he released on bail, but he walked out without appearing before a magistrate. For many, it was a moment that confirmed what they feared most: the justice system does not always serve the victims.

Anger from officials and the public

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said he was “flabbergasted” by the release. He vowed to escalate the matter to Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, KZN Premier Thami Ntuli, and provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

“This man faced multiple charges: drunk driving, reckless driving, assault, and fleeing the scene,” Duma said. “And yet we are told he was let go with a court date in March next year? That is not justice. It is a slap in the face to every law-abiding motorist and officer on our roads.”

Traffic officers who checked in at the police station on Sunday were stunned to learn the suspect had already been released. No explanation was given, leaving officials and the public alike questioning how such a case could be treated so lightly.

Questions over accountability

According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the 41-year-old suspect was only charged with drunk and reckless driving. Charges of assault and malicious damage to property were not included. This narrowing of charges fuelled even greater frustration among those who believe the incident showed a complete disregard for road safety and respect for law enforcement.

Mary de Haas, a respected KZN violence monitor, labelled the release “disgraceful” and said those who authorised it should face investigation. “This was worse than irresponsible,” she said. “The man endangered lives and could have killed someone. He should have been held in custody until a formal court hearing. The station commander must take accountability.”

A pattern of mistrust

For many South Africans, this case is more than just about one man’s release. It reflects a broader problem: a justice system that too often appears to shield offenders while leaving victims and communities feeling unprotected. Road carnage remains one of the country’s most pressing public safety concerns, and when drunk drivers walk free within hours, it undermines both deterrence and trust.

As officials push for answers and the matter is raised at the parliamentary level, this case has already ignited a national conversation. People want more than outrage. They want accountability and a system that values the lives of those who travel South Africa’s roads every day.