Taxi driver transports passengers despite having COVID-19

A 35-year-old taxi driver has been arrested in the Western Cape after he tested positive for coronavirus and returned to work as usual, transporting passengers.

The man in question attempted to drive passengers to the Eastern Cape despite knowing he had the virus.

His vehicle was stopped along the R61 in Beaufort West on its way to the Eastern Cape on Thursday, May 7.

Brigadier Novela Potelwa told TimesLive that the driver was informed of his status just two days before the trip.

“The driver, who had apparently tested positive for the virus after taking a test on April 30 at the N2 Tsitsikamma roadblock in the Eastern Cape, was duly informed two days ago by the testing authority of the outcome of the test,” said Potelwa.

Seven passengers were in the vehicle with the driver and three other people were following the vehicle along the trip in a separate car. All passengers (including the three people in the other vehicle) were transported by the police back to Cape Town and placed under quarantine.

Police say the driver will be charged and appear in court after consultation with the department of health officials. The driver is now facing charges of attempted murder.

Another plea is being made by police for residents to respect lockdown regulations and to stay home if they contract the virus.

Picture: Twitter