Traffic officer killed

A Green Point traffic department officer was shot dead in Kensington on Tuesday morning.

Police confirmed that the 49-year-old traffic officer was shot and killed in Acre Road, Kensington, by a suspect who he had arrested for a traffic violation.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut, said it’s suspected that the traffic officer arrested a taxi driver on the corner of 5th Avenue and Voortrekker Road, and was killed in his vehicle, en route to the police station. “The suspect fled and is yet to be arrested. The circumstances surrounding the case are under investigation,” he said.

The City’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, expressed anger at the murder. “On behalf of the City, I want to convey my deepest condolences to the family of the officer. We will assist them in any way possible through this very difficult time. Our officers are there to serve and protect, but there is a troubling attitude of carelessness and disrespect towards them, disparaging the vital work they do.

“They put their lives on the line daily and what should have been a routine stop has turned into a tragedy,” he said.

Mr Smith said he has asked the Safety and Security Investigations Unit to assist the police where possible to ensure that the killer is found.

He said enforcement agencies – traffic service, law enforcement, Metro police and specialised units, were working on an operation to clamp down on taxis to ensure the perpetrator is brought to book.

“Law enforcement on all levels is a tough and dangerous job, but we must do all we can to dissuade attacks. It can’t just be that our officers are murdered and it’s business as usual.”

Members of the public are urged to come forward with any information that could assist in bringing the person responsible for this heinous act to book.

The mayor has authorised a
R50 000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer. In addition, R5 000 is offered by the safety and security directorate for information that will lead to his arrest.