File photo
The driver of a bakkie loaded with dagga worth R500 000 leapt from the moving vehicle causing it to crash down a gorge with his alleged accomplice still inside.
The drama unfolded in the Wilderness this weekend when several police units, including the Hawks, were acting on information and pursued a bakkie travelling from the Eastern Cape towards George.
Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase, said members from George Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit were assisted by the SAPS Public Order Police, Crime Intelligence, K9 Units, and the SAPS Eden policing cluster task team were involved in the operation.
"The team swiftly reacted on information about a vehicle that was travelling from the Eastern Cape to George transporting dagga. A vehicle matching the description was spotted in the Wilderness and police vehicles gave chase," Nkwalase said.
He said the suspects' bakkie was subsequently "successfully intercepted" by police officers before the driver jumped from the moving vehicle, which caused the bakkie to leave the road and plunge down a gorge with the passenger still inside.
A 28-year-old man suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
He is expected to appear in the George Magistrates' Court on Monday to face charges of dealing in dagga, among other things, Nkwalase said.
The driver is still at large but Nkwalase said an arrest was imminent.
- African News Agency (ANA)
