Miraculously, no serious accident resulted from the startling antics of a motorist on the N1 and in the streets of Louis Trichardt last Saturday.

While provincial traffic officers were parked in front of the local Tourist Info centre on the corner of the N1 and Songozwi Street in Louis Trichardt, a blue Golf came speeding northwards and then came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the N1.

The vehicle made a u-turn while oncoming traffic was heading towards it, and then suddenly turned into Songozwi Street.

At this point, a traffic officer had already given chase.

According to traffic officer Insp Percy Sinthumule, the motorist aimed to turn right towards Spar, but upon seeing the traffic officer, made a sudden left turn, against a red traffic light at the Songozwi/Grobler street crossing.

Insp Sinthumule continued chasing the suspect vehicle, but the driver continued ignoring the order to pull over. Eventually Insp Sinthumule was forced to make a decision to pull up in front of the suspect’s vehicle.

This was done to avoid any further threat to the safety of other road users. The driver of the Golf started applying breaks when he saw what was happening, but the vehicles nonetheless collided, fortunately not causing much damage to either one. It seemed that only some paint was swopped between the two vehicles.

Police were at the scene as the vehicles came to a stop.

According to Insp Sinthumule, the police officers joined the chase. The driver of the Golf was arrested and identified as a member of the local fire brigade on his way to report for duty!

This fireman’s vehicle was searched and beer bottles were found under the seat of the vehicle.

Police took the statement of Insp. Sinthumule and the suspect, before taking the motorist to the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital for blood tests to be performed.

The Fire Chief for the Vhembe district, Mr Surprise Mphigalale, said on enquiry that the fire department can only take steps against an employee when he has been drinking while on duty or has been found guilty after reporting on duty.

Mphigalale said that any substance taken which might hamper the fire fighter’s performance is a serious matter and anyone found guilty of this is to be dismissed on the spot.

However, this specific employee has not been found guilty yet and since he wasn’t on duty at the time, he will be prosecuted in his own private capacity.