GEORGE NEWS - George Detectives are investigating a shooting incident involving provincial traffic officers that occurred late Sunday night, in which a 14-year-old girl was injured and a taxi driver from Thembalethu was arrested.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies said two case dockets were opened following the shooting.
"It is alleged that traffic officers were conducting operations along the N2 highway at Wilderness on Sunday 12 May at about 20:15, when a minibus taxi was pulled over.
The vehicle left the scene without permission and a chase ensued. Shots were fired.
The vehicle was brought to a halt in Thembalethu where a 31-year-old man, the driver of the taxi, was arrested."
Spies said the suspect made his first court appearance in the George Magistrate's Court on Tuesday 14 May on charges of reckless and negligent driving and driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor.
Spies added that police were summoned to a hospital in George later the same night where a 14-year-old girl, an occupant of the vehicle, was admitted with a gunshot wound to the arm.
An attempted murder docket was subsequently opened. No arrests have been made in this regard.
Both cases are under police investigation.
Muneera Allie, Western Cape head of communications of Mobility, confirmed the incident. "A provincial traffic officer discharged a service pistol in the execution of their duties, while in pursuit of a driver committing multiple traffic violations.
"A female minor passenger was injured during the incident and taken to Mediclinic George to be treated. The 31-year-old male driver was arrested and handed over to the South African Police Service in George. The department awaits the outcome of the police investigation to determine if the officer will be formally charged before we activate internal processes to safeguard road users," Allie said.
George Herald reached out to the victim's family for comment on how she is doing, but no response was received at the time of going to print.
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