A 31-year-old male, who drove a Volkswagen Polo, was nabbed by Alberton SAPS following a fatal crash involving two motor vehicles on February 16.
The accident that brought the R59 to a standstill occurred between Swartkoppies onramp and Michelle off-ramp on February 16.
The male was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, including culpable homicide after his readings on a breathalyser registered 0.37 per cent. He was only slightly injured.
Kobeli Mokheseng, EMPD spokesperson, said: “An off-duty EMPD officer in a white Mercedes Benz unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead on the scene by medical experts.
“A female passenger, who was with him during the crash, sustained slight injuries and was rushed to Southrand Hospital for medical attention and treatment for shock.”
Mokheseng said it is not clear what caused the crash.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that both vehicles involved were travelling towards the same direction. The white VW Polo somehow ram the Mercedes from the rear where the Mercedes Benz then lost control and rolled onto an embankment,” he said.
Members of the EMPD Accident Reconstruction unit were on scene and the suspect will appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court soon.
