Another traffic cop killed on N2 near Mkhondo in minibus crash
A traffic law enforcement officer died after being struck by a minibus taxi during a routine roadblock on the N2 near Mkhondo. This marks the fourth such death on the same stretch of road.
The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said in a statement released on Friday that Provincial Traffic Inspector Dumisane Ndlovu, 49, was conducting a stop-and-check operation on the N2 outside Mkhondo towards Phongola when the incident occurred at about 5pm on Thursday. He was declared dead at the scene.
Ndlovu was attached to the Piet Retief Cost Centre and was employed by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL).
The department confirmed that a case of culpable homicide is under investigation.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie said the department was devastated by the loss, warning that the deaths of traffic officials are placing severe strain on road safety efforts.
“We don’t have enough traffic officers to police our roads. Losing even one officer cripples our efforts to enhance road safety,” said Macie.
The MEC extended condolences to Ndlovu’s family, friends and colleagues, describing his death as a significant loss to the department and the province.
The N2 stretch near Mkhondo has become increasingly dangerous for traffic officials, with four law enforcement officers now having lost their lives in similar circumstances while on duty in the area.
IOL