Limpopo Traffic Officer killed by drunk driver near Lebowakgomo
Police have arrested a 28-year-old man who will face charges of culpable homicide
LIMPOPO – According to police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the incident happened on Friday afternoon in the Apel area near Lebowakgomo.
The 48-year-old officer, Masedi Mabusela, was on point duty when a speeding car emerged. Mabusela tried to stop the vehicle but the driver did not comply and knocked him and proceeded driving.
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His partner then pursued the suspect and cornered him in Stydskraal where he was arrested and handed over to the police.
“Mabusela was immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention but he later succumbed to the serious injuries,” Ngoepe said.
Preliminary police investigations suggest the driver was intoxicated and a blood test was taken before he could be detained.
Mabusela was attached to the Tubatse-Fetakgomo Municipality Traffic Station and stayed in Mankweng outside Polokwane.
“The suspect will appear before the local Magistrate Court soon on charges of culpable homicide, hit and run and driving motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Motorists are warned that the law will be merciless when dealing with this kind of behavior,” he concluded.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo, Makoma Makhurupetje has commended police for swiftly arresting the suspect.
“These are the kind of motorists that we do not want on our roads this weekend and I’m calling on all traffic officials in the province to be vigilant,” she concluded.
