Justice demanded for runners injured by Cape Town driver in DUI incident

A Cape Town man continues to make court appearances on charges relating to driving under the influence of alcohol and negligent driving, after two runners were rammed in Bantry Bay.

The man made his latest appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Friday, where the matter was postponed for further investigation.

The incident, which was filmed on March 30, was caught on CCTV footage along Victoria Road, Bantry Bay, and shows how the runners were hit, one of whom was flung into the air and landed in nearby bush and rock terrain along the coast.

Police initially confirmed the man’s arrest and that he was detained and charged.

The DA’s National Council of Provinces member on security and justice, Nicholas Gotsell, said he has since written to Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile regarding cases of reckless and negligent driving.

“The DA notes the postponement in this case to August 12 for further investigation,” he said.

“We will continue to play an active oversight role and ensure that the police fulfil their constitutional duty to protect citizens – and that they do not neglect their responsibilities when others’ lives are deliberately put at risk.

“This tragedy follows shortly after a Nigerian rapper crashed through a wall in Sea Point more than three months ago with no concrete actions taken by SAPS against the driver.

“Reckless drivers are increasingly using our roads as a racetrack.

“The DA has repeatedly written to the Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, about complaints of reckless driving and the failure to act against suspects – but no concrete steps have been taken. This lack of response raises serious questions about SAPS’s bona fides and their commitment to public safety."

The Cape Argus approached the provincial SAPS office for Patekile’s response and await feedback.

Earlier, Pedal Power Association CEO, Neil Robinson, said they called for justice to be served and were shocked at the number of lawless and poor driving of persons under the influence on the road.

The incident also happened just a month after dental surgeon from the Eastern Cape, Dr Ncumisa Mdlokolo, was tragically killed by a speeding Ferrari while walking with her sister in Buitengracht Street.

The driver, David Polet, is accused of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol and was arrested and charged and granted bail of R10 000 by the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.

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Cape Argus