Die Volksblad reported that the driver, former traffic officer Elliot Sefatsana, was speeding in Mahlaku's white Mercedes near the Verkeerdevlei toll gate and apparently accelerated away from police after turning on his "blue lights".
'Boss was late'
He was eventually pulled over 30km down the highway.
Sefatsana hauled out the "my boss was late" excuse, saying Mahlaku was late for a meeting with Free State premier Ace Magashule. The driver was arrested but later released on bail of R1000 (around Rs 3 800).
Municipal spokesman Gino Alberts confirmed that the mayor had a meeting with the premier.
Police spokesman Sergeant Fikiswa Matoti said Sefatsana would appear in court again on August 28 2012.