Cape Town – A drunk driver ploughed into Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers who were responding to an accident and directing traffic in Soweto on Friday.
In a statement, JMPD said the incident took place at Eben Cuyler Drive and Soweto Highway in Noordgesig.
“The three officers were recording an accident and controlling traffic at Eben Cuyler Drive and Soweto Highway in Noordgesig when an alleged male drunk driver who was travelling in a Kia Sportage ploughed into them and two members of the public who were assisting then officers at the accident scene.
“Then officers were seriously injured and they were transported to Milpark Hospital. The two male members of the public also sustained serious injuries due to the accident. They were taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital,” JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said.
One officer has since been discharged, but the remaining two are in stable condition, said Fihla.
Media Statement:
A DRUNK DRIVER CRASHES INTO THREE JMPD OFFICERS AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN NOORDGESIG, SOWETO
Speedy Recovery #JoburgsFinest #manjenanhlanje #SaferJoburg pic.twitter.com/tefRdf1Gtq
— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) May 27, 2023
The drunk driver was arrested and detained at the Diepkloof police station.
He will face charges of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Reckless and Negligent Driving and is scheduled to appear before the Orlando West court on Monday.
JMPD acting chief Angie Mokasi emphasised the importance of avoiding drunken driving and expressed her wishes for a quick recovery for the officers and civilians involved.
“We continuously warn motorists about the dangers of drunken driving and its detrimental consequences.
“This motorist must face the full might of the law, and we wish our officers and the two members of the public who were assisting a quick recovery,” said Mokasi.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
