JMPD arrests taxi driver for Soweto marathon hit-and-run
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has arrested a 39-year-old taxi driver after he allegedly struck a female runner participating in the annual Soweto Marathon on Saturday.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Soweto Highway and Main Road/Mooki Street in Orlando East where JMPD officers were deployed to manage traffic for the marathon.
The 37-year-old female runner sustained serious injuries and was immediately taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
It is alleged that the driver of the taxi attempted to flee the scene following the accident but was swiftly apprehended.
Police suspected the driver of being under the influence of alcohol, and he was subjected to a breathalyser test, which showed that he was significantly over the legal limit prescribed for professional drivers in South Africa.
The driver was formally arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and hit-and-run (failing to stop and render assistance) and detained at Orlando South African Police Service (SAPS).
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