Driver runs over traffic officer on duty
KOMATIPOORT - The truck driver who killed a traffic officer on duty has still not been arrested, and the police are calling on members of the public to assist in locating him.
The traffic officer has been identified as Christopher Ndimande (58), who was a senior provincial inspector stationed at the Nelspruit Cost Centre.
The Ndimande family is calling on the police to arrest the truck driver who killed him, because his failure to stop shows that he was not adhering to the rules of the road. His arrest might not bring Ndimande back, but it will bring closure to the family, they said.
Mpumalanga’s acting MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Busisiwe Shiba, has expressed shock at the incident that occurred on the N4 toll road near Komatipoort on Sunday May 5.
According to Shiba, Ndimande was hit by a truck he was trying to stop while he was performing his regular duties. “It is alleged the truck driver failed to stop at the scene. The police and traffic officers are in pursuit of the suspect.
“Without casting any aspersions on these crashes, we want those who may be in the wrong to face the full consequences of their actions. The investigators must help us determine what really went wrong so that we may address it. Furthermore, we are appealing to truck drivers to be considerate when using the road and always prioritise not only their lives, but that of other road users, including our law enforcement officers,” she said.
Shiba went on to encourage traffic law enforcement officers to be more vigilant, adding that some road users are malicious and become difficult when stopped. She also said the officials must safeguard themselves and their colleagues from being harmed by the recklessness of other road users.
She expressed her condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Ndimande, because not only did the family lose a member, but the department has also lost a loyal employee.
Ndimande joined the DCSSL in 1996 as a senior inspector. His colleagues described as a one-of-a-kind person, passionate about his job. He was full of laughter, but very strict when it came to his job, because to him, safety on the road was his priority. He will forever be missed.
His family described him as a loving father, husband, brother, uncle and loyal family member. He was a pillar of strength for his entire family. Despite the fact that he was very strict man and wanted everything to be done in a correct manner, he was a forever smiling and willing to help where he could.
He will be buried in KaMagugu this Saturday.