Metro cops forced to arrest one of their own for drunk driving

TWO metro police officers had to chase down and arrest one of their offduty colleagues for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol just after 7am yesterday.

Metro police chief Yolanda Faro said the officers were on patrol in Stanford Road at about 7.10am when they spotted a silver Volkswagen Polo indicating to turn into the road from the IPTS bus lane it was in.

“Our officers switched on their siren to warn the driver against doing it, but when he foolhardily persisted, he was requested to pull over and eventually stopped his car in Liebenberg Road,” Faro said

The driver of the patrol car then discovered that the motorist was a colleague who was on leave.

“They were especially alarmed that he [allegedly] reeked of alcohol and immediately informed him that his blood-alcohol level would be tested.

“The man jumped out of his car and ran a short distance before he was apprehended by his colleagues.”

Faro said he was arrested and taken to the Gelvandale police station, where he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

The officer was immediately suspended pending an investigation.

“I am especially perturbed by this incident and the law must now take its course,” she said.

“There is no way we will tolerate this behaviour, as metro police officers are entrusted to stop the carnage on our roads caused by drunken drivers, and [should] not be responsible for endangering the lives of other road users.”

Municipal spokesman Kupido Baron said later that a court date still had to be confirmed.