Driver on the run after vehicle fatally hit Mpumalanga traffic officer Joseph Mtselu
The Mpumalanga department of community safety, security and liaison will today host a memorial service for Principal Provincial Inspector Joseph Mtselu, the traffic law enforcement officer who was killed earlier this week after being hit by a light delivery vehicle on the N4 toll road near Middelburg.
The memorial service will take place at Eastdene Community Hall in Middelburg at 10 am.
Mtselu, 49, who was attached to overload control in Middelburg, died in the early hours of Tuesday while on duty.
According to the Mpumalanga department of community safety, security and liaison police, he was directing the light delivery vehicle with a trailer to the Middelburg weighbridge when the vehicle allegedly failed to stop and struck him.
The driver reportedly fled the scene on foot after abandoning the vehicle.
The officer died at the scene. Police have opened a case of culpable homicide, and the suspect remains at large. A search for the fugitive driver is ongoing.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, said he was deeply saddened by Mtselu’s death and extended condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
“It is devastating for the Department to lose traffic officers on duty when they are working tirelessly to save lives on the road,” Macie said.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. We also encourage traffic law enforcement officers to be more vigilant when on the road as some motorists do not respect the rules of the road.”
The department described Mtselu as a dedicated officer who served the province with distinction. His photo will be shared once available, officials said.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information about the driver who fled the scene to contact the nearest police station.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News