Minister Grant visits wounded traffic officers | Western Cape Government

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Minister Grant visits wounded traffic officers

14 July 2016

Today (14 July 2016), Donald Grant, Minister of Transport and Public Works and Provincial Traffic Services officials visited the two female traffic officers who sustained injuries in a drive-by shooting in Harare, Khayelitsha, last week.

Princess Nkomo was shot in the stomach and Mandisa Plaatjie in the arm. After the incident, Plaatjie bravely drove herself and her colleague to the nearest hospital. It is believed that the suspects wanted to steal the officer’s firearms, but both had chosen to work unarmed.

The Department of Transport and Public Works has been providing all the necessary support, including covering the officers’ medical costs and regularly visiting their families. The officers and their colleagues also received counselling.

This experience was particularly difficult for Nkomo, who is the mother of a five-month old baby. It is clear that traffic officers face daily threats to their safety as they work hard to improve road safety for all of us.

“We are happy that both of you have been discharged from hospital, Plaatjie last week, and Nkomo yesterday. The officers are still recovering from the physical and emotional trauma they sustained. We wish them a speedy recovery.

“We care about the safety and well-being of our officers and ensure that they undergo firearm competency training, driver training (including articulated motor vehicle and motorcycle training), first aid training and training in fighting fires. It was sad for us that Nkoma and Plaatjie had to undergo this ordeal. However, this has not made them want to abandon the profession they love. Despite having been shot and wounded, both still recognise the importance of their role in making our roads safer,” said Minister Grant.

Two suspects were remanded in custody today. The Department is still calling on members of the public to come forward with any information that may assist the police to investigate this crime.

Colleagues of Nkomo and Plaatjie look forward to having them back at work after their three-month recovery period.

Media Enquiries: 

Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za

You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW