Amanzimtoti woman allegedly sexually harassed by traffic officer
The officer had allegedly got into the passenger side of the woman's car and began asking her personal questions. According to the victim, the officer started caressing her hand and asked her to take him home.
A 23-year-old Doonside woman has been left in a state of depression after she was allegedly sexually harassed by a traffic officer on Wednesday, 4 March. The victim, who wants to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation was on her way home after dropping off her child at preschool when she was pulled over by the traffic officer.
The officer had allegedly got into the passenger side of the woman’s car and began asking her personal questions. According to the victim, the officer started caressing her hand and asked her to take him home.
ALSO READ: Where can victims of crime get help?
Recalling the details that followed, the traumatised woman said, “After realising that my licence has expired, he told me he has to give me a R2 000 fine and asked me what I can do for him. I initially thought he wanted a bribe. He pointed at the car door and said I must unlock the door. Without permission, he climbed into the passenger seat and asked me to give him my hand. I was very confused and wasn’t sure what was happening. I gave him my hand out of confusion. He started rubbing my hand and with a smile, he leaned against my car seat. He demanded that I take him to my home. I felt very uncomfortable and realised what his intentions were, so I immediately pulled my hand away and said no. He asked why and I said it was inappropriate. I felt sick to my stomach and was in complete shock over what had just happened. I didn’t know how to get him out of my car and I felt he violated my personal space.”
“He kept on demanding that I take him to my house to get to know him better. After I resisted, he laughed and said that I should get my license fixed. I then drove off. At that time my husband phoned me because I was taking longer than usual to get home. I immediately started crying and could barely talk. I explained to my husband what had just happened. I felt he took advantage of me by abusing his authority as an officer of the law by making sexual advances,” she added.
ALSO READ: South African violent crime and sexual offences stats paint a grim picture
Communications officer of Amanzimtoti SAPS, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, said that the case has been moved to Umlazi Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigations, however at the time of going to print a comment was not made available.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
