A 35-year-old woman was arrested after knocking over a 33-year-old Gauteng Traffic Police officer while conducting a law-enforcement operation on the N14 Pretoria/ Krugersdorp freeway on Good Friday.

Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane, said the officers who were on duty with the victim found that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

“The breathalyser reading recorded 1,29 milligram per 1 000 millilitres which is five times over the legal alcohol limit of 0,24 milligram. The driver was arrested and detained at Olievenhoutbosch Police Station to face charges relating to driving under the influence of alcohol as well as an alternative charge of reckless and/ or negligent driving.

”Our observation is that a lot of these accidents occur because of non-compliance to the rules of the road. The incident on the N14 is highly regrettable and undermines our road safety efforts, while it also jeopardises the lives of our officers,” says Maremane.

He adds that driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence which may lead to up to seven years imprisonment without the option of a fine.

“We will monitor the case closely to ensure that the suspect is subjected to the criminal justice system and face the full might of the law. The Gauteng Traffic Police will not be derailed in its efforts to ensure safety on Gauteng roads during the last days of the Easter period and beyond. We wish the officer a speedy recovery.”