KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport‚ Community Safety and Liaison Willies Mchunu says he is deeply angered by the death of two cyclists who were allegedly run over by a drunk motorist on the M4 in Durban in the early hours of Sunday.

A motorist suspected to be responsible was arrested and charged with two counts of culpable homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol‚ Mchunu said.

“As police were still attending the scene‚ another vehicle collided with a stationary SAPS vehicle‚ and its driver was also arrested and charged with reckless driving and driving under influence of alcohol‚” he added.

Both suspects are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrates Court early this week.

Mchunu expressed concern about both the high incidence of drunk driving and the number of cyclists killed on the province’s roads.

“The killing of cyclists on our roads is alarming and a serious concern which must be condemned. We urge everyone to drive cautiously in areas demarcated to be used by cyclists‚ because they also have a right to use our roads. As government we continue to intensify campaigns to promote safety of the cyclists‚ working with all role players and stakeholders.

 “We find it unacceptable and totally abhorable that a driver who is alleged to be responsible for this‚ was under the influence of alcohol. The fact that another driver was arrested within the vicinity of the scene‚ allegedly driving under the influence is an indication that people disregard the rule of law and deliberately kill other road users.”

During the festive season operation more than 444 motorists were arrested for drinking and driving in the province.