72 drunk drivers arrested in Limpopo festive season operation

Over 72 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during a week-long festive-season road safety operation conducted across Limpopo from 1 to 7 December 2025.

The intensified enforcement, led by the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety through its Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement Unit, formed part of broader efforts to curb reckless driving and reduce road fatalities during the busy holiday period. 

ALSO READ: Over 57 drunk drivers arrested on Limpopo roads

According to the Department, the highest number of drunk-driving arrests was recorded in the Mopani District with 29 motorists apprehended. 

District DUI arrest breakdown. 

Mopani: 29 arrests

Capricorn: 24 arrests

Waterberg: 14 arrests

Vhembe: 1 arrest

Sekhukhune: 4 arrests

Officials say these figures remain a troubling reminder of the persistent challenge of impaired driving in the province.

During the same operation, authorities discontinued 17 vehicles that failed roadworthiness inspections and impounded 39 others for serious offences, including operating without a valid driver’s license or Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), driving with an expired license disc beyond the legal grace period, and using vehicles deemed unsafe for public roads. 

ALSO READ: Drunk driver arrested for bribery on N1 Limpopo

The operation is aligned with the province’s ongoing “It Starts with Me” road-safety campaign, which encourages responsible behavior from all road users, whether travelling to major events such as the Mapungubwe Festival, visiting family, or commuting daily.

By clamping down on drunk driving and unsafe vehicles, the Department aims to prevent avoidable road tragedies during the festive season. “The safety of citizens on Limpopo’s roads is non-negotiable,” the Department said.