Traffic officer knocked over

AN EAST London traffic officer on point duty was knocked down at the congested Amalinda Main Road and Lennox Road intersection early yesterday morning.

He survived but was in tremendous pain, said Buffalo City Metro spokeswomen Bathandwa Diamond.

It was not a hit-and-run. Diamond said: “The accident was caused by a driver who collided into the back of the stationary vehicle, in turn causing the stationary vehicle to knock the officer over.”

He was in a stable condition and had been taken for X-rays.

Diamond said it was rare that traffic officers were injured while on duty.

“When on duty, officers are given protective and visible clothing to wear when doing point duty,” she said.

Mdantsane police spokesman captain Nkosikho Mzuku said: “Cambridge police are investigating a case reckless and negligent driving following an incident that took place in Amalinda Main Road this morning [yesterday].”

No one was arrested, he said. However, provincial department of transport spokeswoman Khuselwa Rantjie said accidents involving traffic officers has become a worrying national trend.

She said the Amalinda Main Road was known for heavy traffic in the morning.

“Everyone should be accommodated and expect eventuality when travelling. Speeding or driving recklessly endangers the lives of other motorists.” —