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KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr S'bu Ndebele has expressed outrage at the senseless killing of a Rod Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) traffic officer on the R102 near Colenso at approximately 18h00 this evening.

Two traffic officers stationed at RTI Ladysmith were conducting a speed-timing exercise along the R102 at Colenso. A motorcyclist was trapped exceeding the 80-km/h speed limit. The officer, who is now deceased, walked onto the roadway to stop the motorcyclist. It is alleged that due to the speed of the motorcycle the bike collided into the officer killing him instantly. His crew mate was not injured in the collision.

The deceased officer, aged fifty-five years, was with the service for the last sixteen years. The name of the deceased officer will only be released once his next of kin have been notified.

The motorcyclist who was riding a Suzuki motorcycle was seriously injured. He was taken to the Laverna Hospital at Ladysmith for emergency treatment.

MEC Ndebele wishes to express his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased officer. Mr Ndebele has also expressed extreme concern at the alarming proportion of road deaths during the past twenty-four hours.

"I once again wish to make an urgent appeal to all road users to obey the rules of the road. For those who think they can go on in the same old way, take heed of what the statistics are telling you. It won't always be someone else killed. The statistics will be you, your wife or husband, son or daughter-killed or maimed for life," MEC Ndebele said.

Contacts:
Colin Govender on 082 808 1733
John Schnell on 083 644 4057

Issued by: Road Traffic Inspectorate, KwaZulu-Natal, 12 April 2001