Transport official held for ‘fleeing crash scene’
A top official from the Western Cape transport department is facing charges of reckless driving and driving while intoxicated.
|||Cape Town - Police arrested a high-ranking official from the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works for fleeing the scene of an accident last week.
The official is expected to appear in court soon.
The official reportedly collided with another vehicle then drove away. He was arrested on the N7 towards Malmesbury.
Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith said no one was injured in the accident.
The breathalyser used on the official showed his alcohol level was 1.12mg. The legal limit is a breath alcohol content of 0.24mg per 1 000ml, or a blood alcohol limit of 0.05g per 100ml.
The charges against the accused include reckless and negligent driving, driving while intoxicated, defeating the ends of justice after colliding with another vehicle and resisting arrest.
Smith said it was disappointing when government officials, especially within the transport department, disregarded traffic laws.
“Officials should set an example. I see it in otherwise decent people who disobey traffic rules instead of just regulating themselves and behaving like grown-ups,” said Smith.
Police spokesperson Andre Traut said the suspect was arrested by a traffic officer for allegedly driving his motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol in Milnerton and was detained at the Milnerton Police Station.
“He was warned to appear in court and is no longer being detained at our facilities,” said Traut.
Transport and Public Works MEC Donald Grant said the department took the incident very seriously and was extremely disappointed in their official.
“This was an administrative person who was caught and the normal prosecution and disciplinary processes are under way,” said Grant.
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Cape Times