Cape Town - A driver has been arrested for assaulting and stabbing three City of Cape Town law enforcement officers who were patrolling on the N2.
On Monday, the Ghost Squad officers were on patrol on the N2 when they noticed a motorist overtaking other vehicles on the shoulder of the roadway near Borcherds Quarry.
The City’s mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the officers were simply doing their jobs when they came under attack.
“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.
“They eventually managed to box in the vehicle near Duinefontein Road, with the assistance of their colleagues, and the driver was informed that he would be arrested for reckless and negligent driving.
“While attempting to place the suspect in handcuffs, he resisted and instead assaulted the officer by stabbing them 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.”
Smith said that after the driver had assaulted the officers, he then jumped back into his vehicle and ejected three learners before speeding off, pursued by more officers who had arrived to assist.
“He 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 (later on) when the owner of the taxi brought him in.
“He will be charged with assault and reckless and negligent driving,” Smith said.
Smith further added that the three officers who were assaulted were taken by ambulance to N1 City Hospital, and the incident has been reported to the police.
“Incidents such as this cannot, and will not, be tolerated.
“Our officers run the gauntlet daily in executing their duties which are to the benefit and safety of all our residents,” Smith adds.
In another incident, an officer was hit by a passing vehicle yesterday morning during a checkpoint on the Klipfontein Service Road in Athlone.
“The officer was taken to hospital for medical treatment and the extent of his injuries is unknown at this time and the incident is being investigated,” he said.
Smith said: “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.
“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.”