Justice has prevailed in Western Cape after a 29-year-old man was sentenced to an effective 40 years behind prison walls for attacking a traffic officer in 2020.
The suspect appeared at the Thembalethu regional court in George on Friday where he was condemned to many years under the orange overalls.
It is believed that three female traffic officers pulled over a vehicle on the N2 highway near the entrance to Pacaltsdorp, George after noticing that the car was being driven recklessly.
Sergeant Christopher Spies, spokesperson for police in Western Cape, said while approaching the taxi, the driver got out of the vehicle brandishing a firearm.
He fired fired several shots injuring one of the officials before disarming her.
“The suspect fled the scene on foot and various police units and traffic officials commenced a search in the area,” said Spies.
“His freedom was short-lived when the team cornered him along the N2 highway. A shootout ensued injuring the suspect and a police official. The vigilant members arrested the suspect and confiscated two firearms in his possession.”
The accused was sentenced to five years imprisonment for the attempted murder of the traffic official, 15 years for robbery, five years for attempted murder after the attack of police officials and a combined 15-year sentence for two counts of pointing of a firearm and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Western Cape police lauded the investigation and prosecution teams who worked on the case to ensure a successful prosecution and lengthy incarceration.
Spies said: “This lengthy incarceration should serve as a deterrent for those threatening the stability of the transport industry and the safety of law-enforcement officials.
“The safety of road users remains key to the policing approach of the province.”
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