Dead traffic cops: driver denied bail

The man who allegedly drove into and killed two Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers was denied bail yesterday by the Alexandra Regional Court.

Albert Pretorius, 41, is alleged to have driven his double-cab bakkie into a JMPD policing operation on Witkoppen Road under the influence of alcohol on Monday last week.

Two police officers were killed and several motorists seriously injured.

He is facing two counts of culpable homicide and one of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Pretorius’ attorneys claimed that he was on medication which had contributed to his high alcohol levels.

But the court ruled the speed limit signage had been visible, the road was straight and there was sufficient lighting for the accused to clearly see the officers.

The court also considered the evidence of Pretorius’ intoxication and he was denied bail. Proceedings were postponed until March 29.

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