Lucky Maphanga (41), a traffic officer of the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) deployed at the Graskop unit, sustained serious injuries after he was run over by a motorist near this town on August 9.
According to the TCLM’s spokesperson, Themba Sibiya, the injured official was on speed enforcement duty at the time of the incident.
When he tried to pull over the driver of a red bakkie suspected of exceeding the speed limit near the Panorama Chalets, the driver, identified as Frans Skatane (53), allegedly ran the officer over and fled the scene.
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“After hitting him, the suspect did not stop and a hot pursuit by the traffic supervisor on duty with Maphanga, Famous Malete, and the Graskop SAPS, ensued until he was apprehended in Bushbuckridge with the assistance of the local SAPS. A case of attempted murder was opened against Skatane and he appeared in court on Monday August 12. The matter was postponed to Wednesday August 14 for a formal bail application and he remains in custody,” he said.
Meanwhile, the injured officer was first treated on the scene by Hi-Tech Medical Services’ Kagiso Diale before being airlifted to Netcare Milpark Hospital, where he would receive the necessary specialised medical treatment.
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He is reported to be recovering well, but still has to undergo a few surgeries. He sustained a pelvic injury and a closed femoral fracture.
Sibiya condemned the incident, calling it a barbaric act, and urged other motorists to always abide by the rules of the road.
“When they are pulled over by traffic officers, they must stop, because they know that, by law, they need to do so. We believe that the law will take its course and make sure that the perpetrator gets the right punishment, while sending a strong warning to other motorists to not commit similar crimes,” he said.
Sibiya also wished Maphanga a speedy recovery.
