A 24-year-old man was arrested in Vulcania during the early hours of June 6 after allegedly assaulting and robbing a man before attempting to flee in a vehicle, which he then crashed while being pursued by law enforcement.

According to police information, EMPD officers were conducting patrols along Springs Road at about 01:15 when they noticed a white Volkswagen parked on the side of the road.

As they passed the vehicle, the officers saw a man running on the opposite side of the road.
One of the officers called out to the man, asking him why he was running.

The man told them he had just been robbed of his cellphone and money, and had been assaulted and stabbed with a knife.

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The victim pointed at the parked car, which then drove off.

Officers pursued the vehicle. During the chase, the Volkswagen driver allegedly switched off the vehicle’s lights and drove at a high speed.

The pursuit came to an end when the car collided with a pavement, causing damage to the vehicle.

Upon approaching the car, the officers discovered there were no occupants inside.

Emergency services were called to the scene to assist the injured victim, who was transported to the Far East Rand Hospital for medical treatment.

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While officers were still on the scene, the driver of the Volkswagen returned accompanied by his uncle, who identified himself as the owner of the vehicle.

The uncle expressed shock at the incident and told officers he had lent the vehicle to his nephew to use as an e-hailing vehicle.

The driver was arrested for robbery (with a weapon or instrument other than a firearm), and taken to the Brakpan Police Station.

Items stolen during the robbery include a cellphone and casino coins valued at around R1 000.