Metro's breathalyser tests not certified

[BBSA]

The National Prosecuting Authority has withdrawn all drunk driving cases based on a breathalyser test used across the country, according to a Johannesburg newspaper report.

According to The Star, the Drager machines, although not defective, were suspended two weeks ago after a change in prosecutorial guidelines caused a problem with their certification.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that they had withdrawn all the pending cases that relied on the machine's readings.

News of the problem opens an avenue for those previously convicted of drunk driving based on Drager test results to have their sentences overturned, although the NPA were optimistic this would not happen.

Metro police officers will now have to revert to taking those suspected of drunk driving to hospitals to have their blood-alcohol level tested.

Automobile Association spokesman Gary Ronald said the suspension was a "big blow" to road safety.

Ronald told The Star: "If you are driving after dark in a metropolitan area, one in 16 drivers around you will be driving drunk."

More incompetence!

I just hope the breathalyser they used on the ANC spokesperson was certified.

 

[Budza]

More incompetence!

I just hope the breathalyser they used on the ANC spokesperson was certified.

Why do you think they have now been de-certified... :erm:

 

[HavocXphere]

I thought they do blood tests anyway if the reading is above the limit.

Metro police officers will now have to revert to taking those suspected of drunk driving to hospitals to have their blood-alcohol level tested.

The thought of randomly being stopped (even if not drunk) then getting taken to a state hospital & having needles put in me makes me shiver. Private hospital w/ proper needle safety sure, but not state hospitals.

After seeing Carte Blanche yesterday I've got no faith in the Metro anyway.