Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Pat Ngomane has condemned the on-going negligence and recklessness displayed by some of the drivers on the road and this follows the death of a Provincial Traffic Officer [Ms. Nchimi Mnisi] who was hit by a highly speeding VW Polo sedan.
The incident took place when the on duty traffic officer was stopping a rigid truck that did not stop at the instruction of a traffic officer on R37 Road between Mashishing and Burgersfort at about 12h00 on Friday, 27 January 2017. Ms. Mnisi was hit by a vehicle that was following a truck that she was attempting to stop. Ms. Mnisi was stationed at Mashishing Cost Centre in the Bohlabela Region.
The driver of the speeding vehicle is a 37-year-old woman who sustained minor injuries during the accident. The traffic officer was airlifted to Nelspruit and she unfortunately passed away while on flight and the chopper had to return back to Mashishing. A case of culpable homicide was opened at the Mashishing Police Station against the driver of the VW Polo Sedan.
MEC Ngomane says this is a very unfortunate situation for the department and all traffic officers, stating that Government is shocked by this kind of an incident. He further contends that the driver of the vehicle, which was speeding should be speedily prosecuted.
Ngomane says what she did is not acceptable in society and she must be punished for her actions. He says speeding is a challenge on our roads and drivers must be responsible and manage their time when taking trips to destinations.
Ms. Nchini Mnisi will be laid to rest on Sunday 5 February in Limpopo Province and MEC Ngomane has send condolences to the official’s family.
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