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1 Nov 2010

The pivotal contribution of the taxi industry towards safer roads were amplified by a North West taxi drivers citizen’s arrest of an unlicensed motorist for a hit and run accident on Sunday afternoon in Mokgola village outside Zeerust, North West MEC for Public Safety Howard Yawa said on Monday.

Richard Moote (31) had with the assistance of unknown motorist pursuit an unlicensed motorist for about three kilometres after he had knocked down an eight year old girl and sped off from the scene of the accident. The motorist also suspected of drunken driving had two passengers with him in the unlicensed vehicle Opel Kadet. He and female passengers allegedly fought for the steering wheel prior the accident. The vehicle had no discs and or number plates.

Moote who has been a taxi driver for 10 years had to blockade the road with his Toyota Quantum Sesfikile minibus taxi to bring the motorist to a halt. He escorted the motorist back to scene of the accident and handed him over to the police on their arrival. The eight year old girl who sustained serious injuries in the accident was rushed to Zeerust Provincial Hospital.

“Moote is our hero for the 2010 October Transport Month as he has epitomised responsible public driving and model citizenry. His actions are commendable and needs to be emulated by taxi drivers across the province and the country at large,” said MEC Yawa.

Meanwhile, the arrested motorists was expected to appear in the Zeerust Magistrates Court on Monday morning to answer to charges of defeating the ends of justice, driving without a license and operating an operating an unlicensed vehicle on a public road.

Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Fax: 018 381 9123
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za

Issued by: North West Public Safety
1 Nov 2010

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