Gun stolen in attack on women traffic cops

TWO municipal traffic cops were attacked by three men while pulling over a car in New Brighton on Monday afternoon.

According to officials, the traffic officers had pulled a bakkie over – in which children were passengers – on Mpekisa Road at about 4pm.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said while they were conducting a routine check on the vehicle’s registration details, three men approached the two women officers.

“One traffic officer approached the bakkie, while the other stayed in the vehicle,” she said.

“Three men, two with firearms, approached the officials.

“One of the suspects pulled the passenger of the traffic vehicle out of the patrol car, pointed a firearm at her and stole her state firearm.

“The other traffic official was also accosted but did not have a firearm on her.”

A scuffle ensued and the traffic officials managed to break free.

“They jumped back into the car before speeding off,” Naidu said.

During the escape, the gunmen fired two shots at the officials.

“The patrol vehicle was not damaged and neither of the traffic officials shot,” Naidu said.

Metro safety and security executive director advocate Keith Meyer said both traffic officials were in shock after the attack.

Meyer condemned the attack, calling on the community to assist with tracking down the culprits.

“Criminals attacking officials cannot be allowed, especially while they are trying to assist the community,” he said.

“I appeal to anyone with information to come forward so that the culprits can be brought to book.

“To fight crime we need the community to assist us in taking the streets of the metro back.”

Meyer urged anyone with information to contact Sergeant Mervin Bezuidenhout at the New Brighton Police station on (041) 394 7396.