High speed chase between taxi, police ends dramatically
It was a hair-raising experience for passengers on Nelson Mandela Boulevard when a taxi driver recklessly drove onto oncoming traffic while being pursued by traffic officers.
The chase, caught on camera by a courageous passenger, has since gone viral, and for a good reason.
As the taxi driver dangerously weaved through oncoming traffic, the front-seat passenger could be heard pleading with him to stop, while others prayed in the background. However, the driver was not going to give up easily.
He informed the passenger that he could not stop because the vehicle would be impounded by the pursuing officers. And so, the chase continued.
The heart-stopping chase finally came to an end on Mitchell Street, close to the George Taxi rank. Unfortunately, during the pursuit, one of the taxis rear-ended a traffic vehicle, leading to a scuffle between an officer and the taxi driver. The other taxi involved in the chase was also impounded by the police.
The driver managed to manoeuvre through the morning traffic, which had been further slowed down by the construction of the N2 Thembalethu bridge. However, his reckless driving eventually caught up with him, and he found himself stranded. He then abandoned the taxi and took off on foot, with the passengers, including the lady recording the video, urging him to flee the scene.
The police, hot on his heels, soon caught up with him before he could make any significant headway. The taxi driver’s futile attempt at escape had been in vain, and he was promptly taken into custody.
You can view the video below:
A taxi commuter captured a dramatic chased by traffic officers in George. It was recklessly driven into oncoming traffic on Nelson Mandela Boulevard towards the N2. A passenger is heard pleading with the driver to stop while others pray in the background.#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/B2FR66lIJV
— Sphiwe Hobasi (@MrCow_man) April 18, 2023
The police have confirmed that they are investigating two attempted murder cases following the incident. The drivers of both taxis are yet to be formally processed and are expected to appear in the George Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. More charges may be added as the investigation continues.
