The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department(JMPD) arrested a 39-year-old taxi driver after he struck the female runner which was participating in the annual Soweto Marathon on Saturday.
Xolani Fihla,JMPD spokesperson confirmed that the incident occurred near the intersection of Soweto Highway and Main Road/Mooki Street in Orlando East and Noordgesig, an area where JMPD officers were deployed to manage traffic for the marathon.
Fihla revealed that the taxi driver tried to runaway after he struck that female runner but was arrested, and the police discovered that he was driving under the influence of alcohol.
"JMPD officers who were directing traffic were alerted to the accident. It is alleged that the driver of the taxi attempted to flee the scene following the accident but was swiftly apprehended before he could escape.
"The 37-year-old female runner sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Upon apprehension, the driver was immediately suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and was subjected to a breathalyser test. The test confirmed the suspicion, yielding a reading of 0.26 mg/l. This reading is significantly over the legal limit of 0.10 mg/l prescribed for professional drivers in South Africa," he said.
He mentioned that the driver has been formally arrested on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Hit and Run(Failing to Stop and Render Assistance).He has been detained at Orlando South African Police Service(SAPS),and a case docket has been officially opened for further investigation and prosecution.
Fihla added that the JMPD views this violation of traffic laws and the disregard for the safety of road users, especially during a major public event, in the most serious light. We wish the injured runner a speedy and full recovery.
“We appeal to all motorists to adhere strictly to all traffic regulations and to exercise extreme caution and sobriety, particularly in areas hosting public events. Our commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors to the City of Johannesburg remains unwavering,” Xolani Fihla concluded.