A typical day in the lives of law enforcers entails arresting crime suspects and enforcing the law. Some of these suspects are dangerous and violent. This therefore calls for law enforcers to be extremely cautious when dealing with such individuals because failure to do so could place their lives in danger. This is according to Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Pat Ngomane, following an incident during which a provincial traffic officer got stabbed while on duty in Nkomazi last week Friday. 

Three traffic officers were conducting their normal law enforcement operations when the incident occurred on D797 Road between Tonga and Kamhlushwa on Friday. It is alleged that the suspect was initially threatening passengers who were travelling in a minibus taxi and when the driver realized that there were traffic officers on the road, he brought the vehicle to a stop and ordered the suspect to get off.

The driver commenced with the journey as soon as the suspect has gotten off. The suspect then demanded taxi fares from the three officers. One of the officers was stabbed when they refused to comply with suspect’s demands. The suspect became extremely agitated and started throwing stones at the traffic officers. The officers then shot him in the arm in order to arrest him.

The traffic officer sustained serious injuries and he is still recovering in a hospital in Mbombela while the suspect is also receiving treatment for the shot wound at Tonga Hospital under police guard. He is expected to appear at Tonga Magistrate Court as soon he has fit to stand trial. The suspect was charged with assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), possession of a dangerous weapon and malicious damage to property.

“We know your work is unenviable due to its nature. Criminals are out there to pounce not only on our communities but also on you as our protectors. You need therefore to leave no room for laxity when you are on or off duty due to the callousness of criminal elements in our midst,” said MEC Ngomane.

“Communities should also report criminals, including those who threaten law enforcers, so that such individuals are brought to book,” he continued.
Ngomane has also implored on the police and the traffic officers not to be discouraged but should rather work hard for the benefit of the public.  He also wished the injured official a speedy recovery.

Submitted by: Joseph Mabuza 
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