KZN Health Department Probes Senior Manager After Drunk Driving Arrest Involving Teenager

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has opened an internal investigation following the arrest of one of its senior managers on charges of drunk driving while transporting an intoxicated 17-year-old girl.

The incident occurred last Sunday on the N2 freeway along KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, where traffic officers stopped a government vehicle for allegedly exceeding the speed limit. The driver, identified as a senior health department employee, was taken into custody at the scene.

According to the provincial transport department, the situation escalated when the official allegedly attempted to flee in the state-owned vehicle, prompting a dramatic pursuit before officers managed to apprehend him.

Senior KZN Health Official Faces Multiple Criminal Charges

The unnamed official is now facing a string of charges, including drunk and reckless driving, speeding, failing to stop when instructed by traffic officers and possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

Authorities also confirmed that an intoxicated 17-year-old girl was found inside the government vehicle at the time of the arrest, raising further concerns about the misuse of state resources and conduct unbecoming of a public servant.

The official’s identity has not been disclosed as investigations are still underway.

Health Department Confirms Use of State Vehicle

The KwaZulu-Natal Health Department has acknowledged that the vehicle involved belongs to the department and confirmed that it was being driven by one of its employees who was on duty at the time of the incident.

Reiterating its stance on misconduct, the department said it applies a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of government assets.

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“The involved vehicle has been impounded, and we are in the process of securing its recovery,” the department said in a statement.

“We assure the public that should our 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.”

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