MEC Shongwe calls for the arrest of taxi drivers who burnt a traffic officers’ vehicle
28 August 2012
Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe calls for the arrest of taxi drivers and owners who allegedly burnt a departmental vehicle allocated to Traffic Intervention Unit (TIU) today [28 August 2012].
Approximately 17 officers of the TIU were operating at the four-way stop of Secunda - Embalenhle when they stopped a taxi and requested a driving license from the driver. Faults were identified from the taxi and when the officers were issuing a traffic fine to the driver, he obstructed and wrestled with the officers who later arrested him.
After the owner of the taxi arrived at the scene, he allegedly threatened to kill the officers for arresting his driver.
Five of the officers took the arrested driver to Embalenhle Police Station and later, the twelve remaining officers were allegedly surrounded by a number of taxi drivers and owners.
Realizing that their lives were in danger, one of the officers fired a warning shot and they escaped from the scene. One of the officers was hit with a stone and injured on the head.
One traffic officers' vehicle was left at the scene and was later burnt by the group of taxi drivers and owners.
The taxi drivers and owners later went to Embalenhle Police Station and allegedly vandalized, assaulted and injured two police officers demanding the release of the arrested driver.
MEC Shongwe says people who interfere with the operations of traffic officers or who defy the instructions from officers must be arrested.
“It is crime to interfere with the work of any officers on duty and the department cannot tolerate such behavior.
Traffic officers have got a right to patrol and stop any vehicle to check if the vehicle is road worthy or the driver has necessary permits to drive,” said the fuming Shongwe.
He added that arresting those who violate traffic rules and those who disobey traffic officers will send a message to other motorists how serious road safety is in the province.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison
