THERE was drama at a police roadblock near Murahwa Green Market in Mutare on Sunday morning after a motorist who had produced a fake driver’s licence went on to swallow the document after cops queried its genuineness.

Charles Nyahoda (26) of House Number 303, Area 13, Dangamvura is lucky to be alive after he ingested the A5 size laminated document in a bid to avoid being arrested.

He was choked as he swallowed the “Certificate of Competency” and had to be rushed to Mutare Provincial Hospital for treatment.

Manicaland provincial police spokesman, Inspector Enock Chishiri, said Nyahoda experienced breathing difficulties after swallowing the document.

“The motorist was stopped at a roadblock by traffic police officers. He was requested to produce a driver’s licence, but he produced a certificate of competency. However, one of the officers at the block doubted the authenticity of the certificate as it looked forged. At this point, the motorist who was standing nearby grabbed the document from the police officer and ran away.

“The officers gave chase and caught up with him. During his foiled escape he chewed and swallowed the document and upon his capture he was having breathing problems. They took him to the hospital where he was treated and discharged,” he said.

Source: The Weekender