/ 29 May 2005

Pensioner arrested after road-rage attack

A Volkswagen Beetle-driving pensioner was arrested on Saturday for allegedly pulling out his gun and shooting a fellow motorist in the leg in an attack of road rage in Bruma Lake, Johannesburg, said police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Chris Wilken.

The irate 64-year-old man told police he was overtaken by a Jetta that pulled in front of him, slammed on its brakes, let him pass and then cut him off again until he crashed into the back of it.

The driver of the Jetta, meanwhile, insisted his car was stationary at the robot at the intersection of Queens Road and Broadway Avenue when it was rammed from behind by the Beetle.

Wilken said both drivers got out of their cars, walked over to each other and started arguing.

The pensioner then took out his 7,62mm pistol and shot the Jetta driver in his right leg, he said.

The injured motorist was taken to Johannesburg hospital where he is ”doing fine”, said Wilken.

The pensioner has been arrested and is being held at Cleveland police station. Police have confiscated his firearm and charged him with attempted murder, Wilken said. — Sapa