Cape Town -A 30-year-old suspect is facing a raft of charges after a hit-and-run incident involving a Metro Police officer on Tuesday.
Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said the officer, attached to the MPD Tactical Response Unit, was on duty at a roadblock in Stock Road, Philippi on Tuesday afternoon.
“Just after 3pm, the driver of an amaphela taxi refused to stop, hit the officer with his vehicle and sped off. Officers managed to recover the vehicle, but the driver fled on foot,” Smith said.
The officer was taken to N1 City hospital for treatment and was discharged a few hours later. He sustained a back injury and some bruises.
Just after 8pm, the suspect was brought to Philippi East police station by the vehicle owner, Smith said.
He was arrested and detained on charges of attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving, fleeing the scene of an accident, failing to comply with a lawful instruction and defeating the ends of justice.
“This incident is shocking but not unsurprising, and it’s also not the first time that one of our officers are targeted in this manner. Fortunately, this time, the injuries were not fatal, and we are incredibly grateful for that.
“However, this brazen act needs to be condemned in the strongest terms, and we call on the criminal justice system to prosecute the suspect to the fullest extent of the law.
“The City also expresses its thanks to the vehicle owner for helping to track down the suspect and ensuring his arrest,” Smith said.
Cape Times