Cape Town - Two metro police officers were injured in a crash during a high-speed chase with two teenage motorists on Jakes Gerwel Drive near Goodwood at the weekend.
The officers were on patrol in the area when they spotted two vehicles speeding down the road and gave chase.
As they attempted to pull over one of the vehicles, the driver hit the patrol vehicle, then fled the scene.
Members of the Traffic Services’ Ghost Squad cornered the two motorists at Gunners Circle in Epping and the teenagers, aged 18 and 15, were arrested for reckless and negligent driving, as well as fleeing the scene of an accident.
The officers received medical attention after the crash.
Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the teenagers were among 127 people arrested during weekend operations by Traffic Services and the Metro Police department.
“Illegal street racing is arguably one of the biggest headaches we face in this city, and we take a lot of flak for our enforcement efforts,” Smith said.
“I hope this incident and the one last week - where the bulk of the participants and spectators at an illegal race in Bellville South were found to be teenagers - will make the public sit up and take note.
“It is worrying that our officers are effectively babysitting irresponsible road users all the time.
“It’s time to take parents to task because I cannot fathom how an unlicensed young person is able to be out at all hours in a motor vehicle that is not theirs, without any consequences.”
A total of 99 people were arrested for drunk driving over the weekend while 17 were held for the illegal possession of narcotics.
Five people were arrested during various taxi operations in Belhar and the Cape Town CBD for outstanding warrants, while 43 minibus and sedan taxis were impounded.
Cape Times