A MIDDLE-AGED man is under police guard in a local hospital after he tried to avoid the police by jumping into Jozini Dam.

Jozini Dam is one f thr largest in South Africa.

Police spokesperson Captain Jabulani Mdletshe said the police had received a tip-off that a car stolen in Sandton, Johannesburg was being driven to Mozambique.

"The police set up a roadblock and after waiting patiently a Land Rover showed up," Mdletshe said.

"Realising that he would be cornered the driver sped off but fortunately the police had set up more than one roadblock."

Mdletshe said a high speed chase ensued between the police and suspect.

When he realised that the police were closing in on him the driver jumped out of the car, ran into the bush and ended up at the Jozini Dam bridge.

"He saw the police coming from both ends of the bridge and jumped off, hurting himself in the process," Mdletshe said.

"The police had to organise a boat to rescue him. He was then taken to a local hospital where he is under police guard."