A taxi driver in Benoni, East of Johannesburg, has been arrested for driving under the influence while transporting a group of church congregants on Sunday morning. The driver, who was reportedly heavily intoxicated, was stopped by police during a routine roadblock on the N12 highway after officers noticed erratic driving and signs of impaired judgment. According to police, the taxi was carrying more than 10 passengers, all of whom were on their way to a local church for Sunday services. The driver, whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was found to be well above the legal limit, was arrested on the spot. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, though passengers expressed their shock and fear upon realizing the driver’s condition.
The arrest occurred early Sunday morning when officers from the Benoni Police Department set up a roadblock as part of an ongoing crackdown on drunk driving in the area. The taxi, which had been traveling from a nearby township, was flagged down after it swerved across lanes and nearly collided with a roadside barrier. Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver showed clear signs of being intoxicated. He failed the sobriety test, and his BAC was above the legal limit of 0.05%. He was immediately arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, said Sergeant Thabo Mokoena, a spokesperson for the Benoni Police.
Passenger accounts indicate that many were unaware of the driver’s condition until they were stopped by the police. We were all just chatting and praying in the car, not noticing how badly the driver was driving. When the police stopped us, we were all shocked to learn that he was drunk, said one of the churchgoers, who wished to remain anonymous.
The arrest has sparked renewed concerns about the dangers of drunk driving, particularly when transporting passengers in public vehicles. Authorities are urging both drivers and passengers to be vigilant and to report any signs of intoxicated driving immediately. Drunk driving remains a significant problem in South Africa, where road safety has been an ongoing issue. In 2024 alone, thousands of people were injured or killed in accidents involving impaired driving. The South African government has implemented stricter measures to combat the problem, including increased patrols, breathalyzer checks, and public awareness campaigns.
The safety of passengers is paramount, and we cannot allow individuals to put the lives of others at risk by driving under the influence, said Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula. We must remain committed to eradicating drunk driving from our roads and hold those who endanger others accountable.
The incident has also raised questions about the responsibility of transport services, especially those used by churchgoers and other community groups. Many church members expressed concern over the lack of screening procedures for drivers hired to transport congregants to religious services, noting that many rely on taxis for safe and reliable transportation. This is a wake-up call for the church community and others who use public transport to ensure that drivers are properly vetted, said Pastor Linda Ngoma, a local religious leader. It is vital that we prioritize safety, especially when transporting people to places of worship or other important events. The church involved in the incident has since issued a statement thanking the police for their swift intervention. We are grateful that no one was hurt, and we appreciate the work of law enforcement in keeping our community safe, the statement read.
The driver faces several charges, including driving under the influence, endangerment of passengers, and public recklessness. If convicted, he could face fines, a possible driving ban, or even jail time, depending on the outcome of his case. Experts also warn that the social repercussions of such incidents can be far-reaching, as public trust in taxi services and other transportation providers can be damaged. Transport companies must take responsibility for ensuring the safety of their passengers. This incident shows how critical it is to vet drivers thoroughly and ensure that they are fit to drive, said road safety advocate Sipho Dlamini.
The arrest serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in road safety and the need for more rigorous monitoring and accountability within public transport systems, especially for services catering to vulnerable groups such as church congregants and the elderly. Authorities are now urging all taxi operators to implement regular checks and to discourage drunk driving through education and penalties.
As the case progresses, it is expected to prompt further discussions on the need for better regulation and oversight of public transport services in South Africa.
