Viral driver charged with assault

A SUSPECTED drunk driver who went viral on social media for resisting arrest and racially taunting a traffic officer has been charged with assault. 

The driver is seen in the widely-shared video telling the traffic officer not to touch him after the officer instructed him to turn around to make an arrest.

According to officials, the man was stopped after being seen driving recklessly on the N1 outbound onto the Durban Road bridge.

After he is pulled over by the traffic cop, the man, who was later charged with driving under the influence, instead gets into an argument with the officer before getting physical. 

As the officer calls for back up, the alleged drunk driver shouts at the officer saying “hy’s f*kken swart man” (he is f**'n black man") and “give my keys” before assaulting the officer.

The driver goes on to accuse the officer of assaulting him and calls him a p**s.

Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs reported that one of its officers observed a Honda FRV vehicle that was driving in a reckless manner on the N1 outbound onto the Durban Road bridge.

Jacobs said: “The officer stopped the driver and interviewed him, but the driver became aggressive and failed to comply with the officer's instructions. 

“SAPS and Law Enforcement officers arrived to provide assistance. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless and negligent driving and assault.”

The driver was detained at Bellville police station. 

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the charges of reckless and negligent driving, drunken driving, and assault.

The 50-year-old man was released on Tuesday on a warning to appear in court on 15 October.

Safety and Security boss JP Smith condemned the incident.

Smith said: “Attacks on our staff have become far too commonplace, and the perpetrators ought to be ashamed of themselves. Our staff work incredibly hard, and under very trying circumstances, to ensure law and order prevail, and to protect communities.

“For them to be disrespected and targeted in this manner is completely unacceptable. 

“We hope that the suspect is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, to help send the message that such actions will not be tolerated.”