R50 000 reward for ‘cop killer’s’ arrest
THE CITY of Cape Town yesterday offered a R50 000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of a minibus taxi driver allegedly responsible for the death of a traffic officer.
According to the city, yesterday morning at approximately 7.30am, a taxi driver was travelling on Jakes Gerwel Drive, in the direction of Mitchells Plain, when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle and crossed to the middle of the road and into oncoming traffic.
“He collided head-on with the vehicle of 35-year-old City of Cape Town traffic officer Mogamat Faried Galant, who was driving towards Hillstar Traffic Department,” said the city’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith. Galant was declared dead at the scene. Four other vehicles were involved in a secondary collision. Smith said the taxi driver fled and was still at large.
“We appeal to members of the public who may have information on his whereabouts to contact the city’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone,” he said. “Alternatively, they can contact the nearest police station.”
Smith said the city was shocked and saddened by the death of “yet another of our members”. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Galant’s wife and his three children, as well as the extended family, and the city will provide them with counselling and other support during this difficult time,” he said.
Galant joined the metro police before moving to the Swartland Municipality. He recently joined the city’s Traffic Service. He was set to be buried yesterday afternoon in accordance with Muslim rites.
Earlier this year, Cape Town metro police officer Ben Koopman was shot and killed outside his Eerste River home. His service pistol and radio were stolen in the attack. – ANA