An axe-wielding driver was among 18 motorists who were arrested for drunk driving at a roadblock on the M35 in Umbumbulu on Sunday (May 17), reports South Coast Sun.

He had also allegedly fled the scene when he was initially stopped.

The roadblock was jointly held by the metro police and the police from the Bhekithemba police station in Umlazi.

Metro police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said the man was driving a bakkie, and after he was chased, he was caught 6km from the roadblock.

“The driver exited the vehicle armed with an axe and advanced aggressively toward officers despite repeated verbal warnings to stop. A patrol dog was subsequently deployed and successfully apprehended the suspect, resulting in the weapon being dropped and the suspect safely restrained,” added Zungu.

The man was brought back to the roadblock where a breathalyser test was conducted, allegedly yielding a reading of 0.59 mg/l. A blood sample was also drawn, and the suspect was detained at Bhekithemba police station.

Zungu said the police will continue to intensify enforcement against intoxicated and dangerous drivers to improve safety on roads.

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