LOOK: KZN DUI arrests become comedy sensation thanks to cartoon censorship

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport’s Facebook page is currently the most chaotic corner of the internet in South Africa, and honestly, the social media manager deserves a raise or a witness protection program.

The Department released a statement on Sunday, March 29, detailing the arrest of 67 intoxicated motorists in Umhlanga and Durban North under the #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign.

But it wasn’t just the stats that caught people’s attention; it was the creative censorship of the suspects' faces. 

Instead of professional blurring, the admin opted for weird, distorted cartoon eyes that made every arrested driver look like a confused character from a low-budget horror animation.

The result? Netizens are absolutely losing their minds in the comments. 

The official statement read like a comedy script, but the pictures were the punchline.

The star of the show was a Polo driver who refused to move at a four-way stop. When RTI officers asked what the holdup was, he calmly explained he was "waiting for the robot to turn green."

The catch? There wasn't a single traffic light in sight.

The Department officially diagnosed him with "alcohol-induced visual hallucinations", but Facebook users diagnosed him with "Polo Energy."

A "Lady in Red" was caught crying uncontrollably, swearing on her life. She had just come from the gym and had only consumed herbal tea. Commenters were quick to ask where they could buy that specific tea, because clearly, it has "kick".

Lorna Krause commented: "This one saying she's under the influence of Tea.... she forgot to say it was a Long Island Iced Tea. Lol."

One motorist had the audacity to demand a holding cell with a "sea view along Umhlanga Beach." The comment section was ruthless, with one user replying: "Best we can do is a view of the bucket in the corner, chief."

Then there was the gentleman who was so terrified by the blue lights that he urinated on himself before attempting to bribe officers with R1,200, all while being live-streamed on Facebook. 

The comments section has become a national treasure. Between the distorted googly eyes on the photos and the absurd excuses, South Africans are doing what they do best: finding the humour in the madness. 

"The admin used the 'Surprised Pikachu' eyes on the tea lady, I am DECEASED," one user wrote.

Another added: "Not the Polo driver waiting for a robot in the middle of a residential intersection. He’s living in 2050 while we are in 2026."

André J. Moonsamy commented: "Yup! They’re guilty!… I can see it in their eyes!"Britz Britz said:

"I absolutely enjoy watching these people getting caught...the excuses... lies and how they cry because they've been busted. I can sit for hours watching this comedy show. I must commend the officers for their patience and respectful way they carry out these roadblocks. Thanks to all involved."

While the department is celebrating a decline in road fatalities since the March 24th launch, the public is mostly just celebrating the fact that the KZN RTI has accidentally become the best reality TV show in the country.

If you’re driving in Durban North this week, remember: stay sober, or you might find yourself on Facebook with cartoon eyes and a caption about your imaginary green light.