JMPD and AWARE.ORG Renew Partnership for Safer Roads
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and AWARE.org have renewed their commitment to combating drunk driving, marking four years of partnership at a ceremony held at the Alcohol Evidence Centre in Dube, Soweto, on 13 October.
The event provided attendees with an opportunity to observe roadside screening and evidential breath alcohol testing in action, tour the facility, and learn how enforcement, evidence collection, and prevention work together to improve road safety.
A PARTNERSHIP THAT DELIVERS RESULTS
Speaking at the event, JMPD Acting Deputy Director and Superintendent Mike Botolo reflected on the value of the collaboration.
“This partnership has shown us that we can achieve more by working with other stakeholders than through law enforcement alone,” Botolo said. “The work does not end when a motorist is stopped. Proper testing, evidence handling, and case management are important to ensuring that suspected offences can proceed through the criminal justice system”.
The partnership’s impact is measurable. A review of recorded driving under the influence arrests between January 2023 and December 2025 revealed 26,578 DUI arrests during the period. In 2025 alone, 85.9% of recorded DUI arrests occurred between 18:00 and 23:59, highlighting the concentration of enforcement activity during evening and late-night hours.
BEYOND ENFORCEMENT: A WHOLE-OF-SOCIETY APPROACH
AWARE.org CEO Mokebe Thulo emphasised that the partnership goes beyond simply catching offenders.
“Over the past four years, our partnership with JMPD has shown the importance of connecting enforcement with prevention and education to encourage safer behaviour and reduce alcohol-related harm,” Thulo said.
Sola Oke, CEO of Pernod Ricard Africa and newly appointed AWARE.org chairperson, added: “Reducing alcohol-related harm requires shared responsibility. By connecting enforcement with evidence-led prevention and public education, we can work towards safer roads and more informed decisions”.
The event included the handover of a signed partnership pledge, road safety collateral, and equipment to the JMPD, supported by AWARE.org members including the South African Liquor Brandowners Association, Pernod Ricard, and Heineken Beverages.
THE ALCOHOL EVIDENCE CENTRE
The Dube facility plays a critical role in the enforcement chain. Following roadside screening, motorists suspected of driving under the influence may be referred to the Alcohol Evidence Centre for evidential breath testing. The centre has a dedicated testing room, holding room, and administrative facilities that support testing, documentation, and evidence collection for case management.
AWARE.org has supported the JMPD with specialised equipment, technical assistance, and capacity building over the four-year partnership, including verification and calibration services and support for data capturers responsible for processing DUI cases.
LOOKING AHEAD
A new case study running from June to December 2026 is examining the entire justice process, from identifying suspected alcohol-related offences through to case management. AWARE.org and JMPD are working with the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority to identify procedural gaps, improve coordination, and strengthen accountability.
