The City has condemned attacks on its law enforcement officers after one member was stabbed in the head and two others attacked with pepper spray while attempting to place a suspect in handcuffs on Monday.
In another incident, an officer was hit by a passing vehicle during a checkpoint on the Klipfontein Service Road in Athlone on Tuesday morning.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said Ghost Squad officers were on patrol on the N2 on Monday when they saw a motorist overtaking other vehicles on the shoulder of the roadway near Borcherds Quarry.
“The officers indicated by means of blue lights, sirens and the public address system for the driver to pull over but he refused, resulting in a chase and officers calling for assistance,” Smith said.
They eventually succeeded in cornering the vehicle near Duinefontein Road.
“While attempting to place the suspect in handcuffs he resisted, and instead assaulted the officer by stabbing him in the head, using his vehicle keys.
“He then grabbed hold of a second officer’s pepper spray, and attacked the officers using the canister, while punching and kicking them.
“The driver jumped back into his vehicle and ejected three learners before speeding off, pursued by more officers who had arrived to assist,” Smith said.
The suspect was again boxed in, but jumped over the N2 median wall and ran away in the direction of Bonteheuwel.
The driver was arrested at the Green Point Traffic Department on Tuesday when the owner of the taxi brought him in, Smith said.
“He will be charged with assault and reckless and negligent driving.
The three officers who were assaulted were taken by ambulance to N1 City hospital and the incident has been reported to police.”
In the Athlone incident, Smith said the officer was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
“The extent of his injuries is unknown at this time and the incident is being investigated,” Smith added.
“I want to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the recent attack on City traffic officers who were simply doing their jobs.
“Our officers run the gauntlet daily in executing their duties which are to the benefit and safety of all our residents.
“This compels us to respond to these incidents by sharpening up enforcement actions to curtail the recklessness and disrespect for the law with additional operations.
“This is also why the City will be amending legislation imminently to permit for more effective enforcement relating to public transport. The final changes are being made to the Traffic By-law which will be advertised for public participation soon,” Smith said.
Amendments to the by-law make provision for impoundments of any motor vehicle committing serious moving violations and transgression of traffic laws that endanger lives on the road.
Cape Times