Durban — The KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) has confirmed the death of one of their traffic officers who was killed during a roadblock operation on Tuesday.
This was the second unexpected death of a traffic officer in a month.
In a statement, the municipality said: “It is with great sadness that the KwaDukuza Municipality informs its residents and staff of the passing of Assistant Superintendent Colin Sibusiso Poh Zulu.”
It said Zulu died after sustaining fatal injuries from being hit by a bakkie which collided with an oncoming car between KwaDukuza central business district and Darnall.
The municipality said Zulu and his team had embarked on a roadblock operation to inspect the validity of vehicle licence discs and driving licences at this site, which became an accident site within minutes of the team’s arrival.
“Asstistant Superintendent Zulu has been a valued member of the KwaDukuza team since September 1, 1994, (when he joined the then Borough of Dolphin Coast), and was a true embodiment of a determined worker, given his track record within the organisation, having risen from Protection Officer in the Traffic Department in 1994 to Protection Officer Grade III in 1996 and Assistant Superintendent: Traffic in 2011,” the municipality said.
The KDM council extended to the Zulu family its sincerest condolences and the desire desired for his surviving children to find peace, comfort and courage in this time of sorrow.
“Asstistant Superintendent Zulu will be missed dearly by the KwaDukuza Municipality family,” the municipality said.
IPSS Medical Rescue managing director Dylan Meyrick said that earlier on Tuesday morning IPSS Medical Rescue responded to reports of an accident on the R102 between Darnall and Stanger where a KDM traffic officer was struck by a vehicle in a collision while carrying out his duties.
“On arrival of IPSS Medical Rescue advanced life support, it was found that the traffic officer was in a critical condition. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of all medical personnel on scene, the traffic officer has passed away,” Meyrick said.
Last month, Superintendent Eddie Boaventura, from KwaDukuza Municipal Traffic, was killed when he approached a suspicious vehicle alleged to have been involved in committing a crime. The incident happened on the N2 Blythedale Beach flyover.
The vehicle is believed to have been used in the robbery of a shop in KwaDukuza and met the description in circulation.
Suspects with a high-calibre firearm shot Boaventura. He was airlifted to a hospital where he later died of his injuries. The suspects fled.
Police are investigating a case of murder.
KwaDukuza mayor Lindile Nhaca said they learned with shock and dismay of the senseless and inhumane killing of Boaventura, who spent the best part of his life serving the people of KwaDukuza for at least 30 years: “We have lost a veteran of note who was well known for his commitment to duty”.
Daily News