City traffic officer killed on N2

AN uMhlathuze traffic officer was run over and killed, allegedly by a drunken driver, while conducting speed operations on the N2 on Saturday.

City spokesperson

Mdu Ncalane said officer Nduduzo Ncanana (33) was with his colleague conducting manual speed operations on the national highway about a kilometre before the R102 turn-off when an SUV was spotted speeding.

While Ncanana's colleague ran across the road to stop the speeding vehicle, Ncanana remained next to the speed machine set up on the hard shoulder.

'As the vehicle drew closer, it came behind a bakkie moving in the same direction (northbound).

'The SUV veered suddenly to the left behind the bakkie and clipped the left side of the bakkie before veering off the roadway and hitting Ncanana,' said Ncalane.

According to paramedics, the officer sustained numerous serious injuries.

'We administered CPR, but unfortunately, he was declared deceased.'

The driver of the SUV was found to be under the influence of alcohol.

Police have opened a case of reckless and negligent driving, as well as driving under the influence. SAPS is in the process of opening a case of culpable homicide.