A traffic officer from Mpumalanga was killed when she was struck by a car she was attempting to stop on the R544 between eMalahleni and Kriel.
The Department of Community Safety, Security, and Liaison (DCSSL) has announced that Jeanette Mlangeni was struck by a light delivery vehicle while on duty on Monday, 6 February.
According to the DCSSL, Mlangeni was doing her usual law enforcement duties when she observed a car performing a reckless overtake. When she tried to stop the car, the driver struck her.
Moeti Mmusi, a spokesperson for DCSSL, stated that an investigation into the incident has already begun. Tuesday was supposed to be the driver’s court date.
Speedy Mashilo, acting MEC for Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, urged motorists to respect all law enforcement officers on the road.
“Drivers must always observe the regulations of the road. “This will help reduce traffic accidents,” stated Mashilo.
The acting MEC urged traffic officers to stay vigilant on the job.
“Although the incident is under investigation, we believe it could have been avoided if motorists had exercised greater caution,” Masilo added.
Wednesday night, a traffic officer was shot and murdered at a checkpoint.
This year, Mlangeni is not the only traffic officer that the DCSSL has lost.
The DCSSL lost the 57-year-old traffic officer Gijimane July Nkabinde earlier this year. Monday, January 9, at approximately 19:30, he was killed when he was struck by a truck on the N4 toll road.
»Traffic policeman killed by car she tried to stop«