A TAXI driver caused chaos at the Soweto Marathon.
Cops arrested the 39-year-old taximan after he allegedly knocked down a female runner and then tried to flee the scene.
The shocking incident happened near the busy intersection of Soweto Highway and Main Road/Mooki Street in Orlando East and Noordgesig, where JMPD officers were stationed to control traffic for the popular annual race.
According to the Joburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), officers were quickly alerted after the taxi slammed into the 37-year-old athlete.
Instead of stopping to help, the driver allegedly tried to speed off but didn't get far.
Metro cops chased him down and cornered him before he could escape.
The injured runner suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for urgent treatment.
When officers stopped the driver, they immediately suspected he was drunk.
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He was taken through a breathalyser test, which confirmed their suspicions.
The machine recorded a shocking 0.26 mg/l, more than double the legal limit of 0.10 mg/l for professional drivers in South Africa.
JMPD spokesman Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the department was outraged by the driver's reckless behaviour.
"This was a major public event with officers working hard to protect runners and road users. The driver not only broke the law by drunk driving, but he also tried to flee after injuring someone. We view this conduct in a very serious light," he said.
Fihla stated that the JMPD wishes the injured marathon runner a speedy recovery.
"We appeal to all motorists to obey the rules of the road, especially around events where thousands of people are present. Safety must always come first," he said.
The taxi driver has been charged with drunk driving and hit-and-run and is detained at the Orlando cop shop.
A case docket has been opened as investigations continue.
The JMPD said it will continue tightening enforcement during major events and will not tolerate reckless behaviour on Joburg's roads.
