KZN Health Official Arrested After High-Speed Chase in State Vehicle
Durban – A senior KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) health department official is facing a slew of criminal charges and potential dismissal after allegedly leading police on a dramatic high-speed chase while driving a state vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The incident unfolded on Sunday on the N2 freeway at Ellingham, Park Rynie, when Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers attempted to stop the official.
According to Transport department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya, instead of complying with the officers' instructions, the official allegedly accelerated, initiating a dangerous pursuit that ultimately led to his arrest. Sibiya confirmed that the official had been "cornered and arrested following a dramatic speed chase".
The situation escalated when officers discovered the vehicle's occupants and contents. "In the vehicle, RTI found another intoxicated male and a 17-year-old female. The official was also found in possession of a firearm, which was immediately taken away," Sibiya stated.
The official now faces a range of charges, including drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, failing to stop for authorities, reckless driving, and possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Sibiya confirmed that "all exhibits, including the firearm and alcohol bottles, were entered into evidence."
Health department spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa strongly condemned the official's conduct, stating: "We have zero tolerance for any official who abuses state resources, endangers public safety, and brings the name of the department into disrepute."
Maphisa warned that if internal processes find the official guilty of misconduct, "he will face the full might of departmental disciplinary measures, in addition to any consequences from the criminal justice system." He described the offences as "an egregious violation of our code of conduct and public service regulations," emphasising the department's commitment to "upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and the rule of law."
The health department has launched an internal investigation into the matter and is working to recover the impounded government vehicle, Maphisa added.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that the official was detained overnight at the Scottburgh police station and appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate's Court on Monday. "He was released on bail of R1 500, however, the remand date is not set yet, pending the outcome of blood tests," Magwaza said on Wednesday.
Transport MEC Siboniso Duma commended the RTI team for their actions, noting that "RTI is treating motorists equally". The incident has raised serious questions about the misuse of state resources and the conduct of public officials in KwaZulu-Natal. The outcome of both the criminal proceedings and the internal disciplinary process will be closely watched.
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