Shots fired during high-speed chase

GEORGE NEWS - A high-speed chase ensued on the N2 between Great Brak River and Glentana after a taxi driver who was pulled over by a provincial traffic officer on Monday 20 September, sped off.

According to a trusted source close to George Herald, the taxi driver, who was travelling in the direction of George, was pulled over by the officer after he allegedly stopped and dropped off passengers along the highway illegally.

"He was asked to produce his driver's licence and valid permit after which it became clear to the officer that the authorisation on his permit did not coincide with the service he was rendering. When the officer told the driver his taxi will be impounded, he allegedly sped off, leaving his driver's licence and permit with the officer," said the source.

A chase ensued but the taxi driver refused to stop. Back-up was called in, but even with three vehicles in chase, the driver still didn't stop.

"The driver evaded arrest by not pulling over as instructed, and tried to force the traffic official off the road with various attempts," said Southern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Malcolm Pojie.

Ignoring the instructions of the traffic officials, the taxi driver proceeded towards Thembalethu. In the process various shots were aimed and discharged towards the rear tyres of the vehicle, but still the driver refused to stop. He also narrowly missed another traffic officer who was directing traffic on the Thembalethu bridge.

The vehicle eventually stopped at the Thembalethu taxi rank where the driver allegedly got out and fled on foot.

According to Pojie, members of the Public Order Policing Unit (Pops) were called in to assist after taxi operators barricaded and prevented police from accessing the taxi rank.

No arrests have been made, but a case of attempted murder against the taxi driver was opened, as well as a case of public violence after the barricading at the taxi rank.

Southern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Malcolm Pojie.