Angry operators torch traffic cops’ cars in Evander
The officers were overpowered and their weapons were allegedly taken and some officers managed to escape and alerted the police.
Vehicles of the Mpumalanga provincial traffic department were either damaged or set alight at a roadblock on the R546 between eMbalenhle and Evander on August 4.
Traffic officers stopped taxis at Walker Park Golf Club and also on the road between eMbalenhle and Secunda. This caused a traffic jam for those travelling from eMbalenhle.
It is alleged that a group, believed to be taxi drivers, attacked the traffic officers at Walker Park at about 09:00.
The officers were overpowered and their weapons were allegedly stolen. The windows of two vehicles were smashed in and another two vehicles were set alight.
Some of the officers escaped and alerted the Evander SAPS. The Govan Mbeki municipal fire brigade extinguished the burning vehicles as well as the surrounding veld.
Zukiswa Mxhotjelwa, Evander police spokesperson, said a case of taxi violence has been opened but no one has yet been arrested.
Mxhotjelwa said the investigation is continuing. The Vukanini Taxi Association (Vukta) deputy chairperson, Mzondi Xaba, abstained from comment.
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This is not the first time the cars of traffic officers cars were set alight by alleged taxi operators.
Four years ago, two vehicles were set on fire at the eMbalenhle, Secunda, Standerton and Evander intersection on the E546 close to Khaya Mall in eMbalenhle.
The officers were also assaulted and had to run to eMbalenhle police station for safety.
