A traffic officer lost her life after being struck by a side tipper truck while directing traffic at the Kinkelbos weighbridge station along the N2 on Tuesday afternoon.
The victim, identified as Sisanda Hadi, 43, was reportedly signalling for the truck to stop for weighing when the incident occurred, leaving her lifeless on the side of the road.
The driver, a 35-year-old whose identity remains undisclosed, has been taken into custody following the fatal collision, confirmed police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu.
The incident, which unfolded around 3 pm, has shaken the local community and law enforcement alike.
Hadi’s tragic demise underscores the dangers faced by traffic officers on duty, particularly in areas with heavy traffic and large commercial vehicles.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and disbelief, with screeching tyres and cries echoing through the air before the deafening silence that followed the accident.
In response to the incident, Unathi Binqose, a spokesperson for the provincial transport department, expressed awareness and concern, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures in such areas of high traffic.
Footage captured by an eyewitness revealed the aftermath of the collision, showing Hadi lying motionless on the roadside as her colleagues rushed to her aid.
Marshall von Buchenroder, a representative from the Democratic Alliance (DA), highlighted previous incidents involving manganese trucks and urged authorities to address the issue promptly.
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“Enough lives have been lost due to reckless driving and disregard for road safety,” Buchenroder stated. “It is imperative that long-term solutions are implemented to reduce the risks posed by these vehicles on our roads.”
The arrest of the truck driver marks a step towards accountability, but questions linger regarding the broader measures needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As investigations continue, authorities face mounting pressure to address the systemic issues contributing to road safety hazards, ensuring that no more lives are needlessly lost on South Africa’s highways.
