Drunk driver arrested, stolen vehicle recovered

officers detected a strong smell of alcohol and saw alcohol in the vehicle.

May 4, 2025

Luccia Mashel 1 minute read

The recovered Ford Ranger bakkie, found abandoned and stripped at the intersection of R554 and Heidelberg Road in Boksburg.

A 35-year-old male driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on April 23 after being stopped by the EMPD Overloads Unit on the N12 East near Jet Park.

According to EMPD spokesperson Katlego Mphahlela, officers observed a blue Ford station wagon weaving dangerously between lanes and driving on the dotted lines in a zig-zag pattern at around 16:00.

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“EMPD officers activated their emergency lights and sirens, signalling the driver to pull over. The vehicle was brought to a stop under the Trichardts Road bridge, just before the Atlas off-ramp.

“Upon interviewing the driver, officers immediately detected a strong smell of alcohol and noticed several alcohol bottles inside the vehicle. A breathalyzer test was administered, returning a reading of 1.13mg/1000ml, which is well over the legal limit.

A breathalyzer test with a reading of 1.13mg/1000ml, which is well over the legal limit.

“The suspect was taken to Bertha Gxowa Hospital in Germiston for a blood sample to be drawn before being escorted to Boksburg North SAPS for detention. He is expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of drunk driving.”

Mphahlela emphasised the EMPD’s commitment to road safety. “We wish to send a strong message to motorists who still attempt to drive under the influence of intoxicating liquor: they will be held accountable and will face the full might of the law.”

EMPD officers inspect a blue Ford station wagon after arresting a suspected drunk driver on the N12 in Boksburg.

• In a separate incident earlier that day, EMPD Intervention Unit officers, working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, recovered a stolen blue Ford Ranger bakkie at the intersection of R554 and Heidelberg Road in Boksburg at about 15:30.

“Officers acted on a tip-off and found the abandoned vehicle, which matched the description provided. The vehicle was slightly stripped and fitted with false registration plates.

“A systems check confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen. All relevant authorities were called to the scene for further investigation, and the vehicle was subsequently booked at the Aeroton pound.”