A 46-year-old man was arrested last week Tuesday and charged with common assault after allegedly attacking a Ballito woman in a fit of road rage earlier this month.

The man appeared at KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday and was released on bail.

“The matter is still under investigation by Umhlali Saps detectives.” said iLembe police spokesperson, Captain Alex Thomson.

The Courier previously reported that Ballito resident, Sibabalwe Sandile (37), was on her way to Manor Estates to fetch her friend’s children when the incident occurred.

While trying to cross the dangerous intersection of the P445 and the R102, Sandile said she took a gap offered to her by cars travelling north in the turning lane. The accused was allegedly travelling north in the through lane. The two cars are alleged to have nearly collided.

After she crossed into the Manor Estates driveway, Sandile said the accused turned his car around and stopped next to her, before getting out of his vehicle and allegedly slapping Sandile three times before driving off. Sandile, who was travelling with her 15-year-old niece, said both of them were left traumatised.

A doctor’s report confirmed that Sandile suffered blunt force trauma with muscle strain.

KwaDukuza Saps provided the following road rage safety tips:

• Protect yourself: Ensure your car’s doors are locked and leave enough space between you and the car ahead when stopped in traffic. If confronted by an aggressive driver, call 10111 or drive to the nearest police station.
• Stay calm: If an aggressive driver challenges you, take a deep breath and move out of the way. Do not engage in conflict.
• Reduce stress: Understand that while you can’t control traffic, you can control your reaction. Frustration and anger can often be the real danger on the road.
• Be courteous: Set a positive example for other drivers. Avoid making eye contact or obscene gestures and use your horn sparingly.
• Control your anger: If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a moment to calm down before reacting.

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