Traffic officer robbed on Prince George Drive

A CITY traffic officer had a narrow escape after being held at gunpoint and robbed of his service firearm and cellphone along Prince George Drive on Sunday.

The 42-year-old officer was on his way to work when the incident occurred, according to the City’s traffic spokesperson Richard Coleman.

He said the officer had been flagged down by the occupants of a vehicle on Prince George Drive, who indicated that they were looking for directions.

“While speaking to the female passenger, another occupant in the back seat pointed a firearm at the officer and demanded his firearm and cellphone, threatening to shoot him if he didn’t comply,” Coleman said.

The officer did as he was told and was then instructed, at gunpoint, to walk away,” Coleman said.

“The City has organised trauma counselling for the officer and his colleagues and we are working closely with the SAPS to find those responsible,” he said.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said the suspects fled in an unknown direction in a VW Polo. An armed robbery case has been opened.

Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, noted two incidents recently where City enforcement staff were targeted by criminals.

“In one incident a Metro Police constable sustained a fractured foot and arm after having been run over by the driver of a vehicle he was pursuing at the time. In the second incident, one of our traffic officers was left traumatised after being robbed at gunpoint of his service pistol and cellphone. He had been flagged down by the suspects under the pretext of needing directions,” Smith said.

The suspects in the incident involving the Metro Police officer have been arrested and the driver is facing an attempted murder charge.

Anyone with information about the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.