INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS

File Photo - A taxi driver bit two traffic officers after being arrested in connection with reckless driving.

A suspected drunk taxi driver has been nabbed in a dramatic chase after a scuffle with two traffic officers, fleeing on foot and catching a ride with another minibus taxi in an attempt to escape arrest.

During a routine patrol along Koeberg Road on Monday, City of Cape Town traffic officers pursued the 26-year-old driver when he started following a path cleared for a Fire and Rescue vehicle in peak-hour traffic.

After pulling over the minibus filled with passengers, an officer found the driver had no driving licence and permit.

City traffic spokeswoman Merle Lourens said that after the officers detected the smell of alcohol on his breath, they attempted to conduct a breathalyser test. But she said the suspect would not co-operate and was told he would be arrested.

“The suspect immediately became aggressive, fighting off the two officers by shoving one to the ground and grabbing the other by his shirt while threatening him,” said Lourens.

She said he then fled on foot towards the Killarney racetrack and, along the way, tried to flag down another minibus taxi and managed to get into one.

Officers called to assist at the scene managed to stop the second taxi and found the suspect hiding on the back seat.

Lourens said the driver had to be restrained as he continued to fight the arrest. The suspect was found with only a Code 3 learner’s licence and his breathalyser test recorded at 0.45mg of alcohol per 1 000ml.

He was detained at Milnerton police station and charged for drunk driving, resisting arrest, assault, and transporting passengers for payment without a valid permit.

Lourens lauded the work of the two officers who, despite their minor injuries, ensured the drunk driver was taken off the road and that the passengers remained safe.

janis.kinnear@inl.co.za - Cape Argus

Read about changes to IOL’s article comments