Johannesburg – The Road Traffic Management Corporation on Wednesday condemned an attack on a senior traffic officer in Nigel, Gauteng.
According to a video doing the rounds on social media, the man shoved the metro officer to the ground and dragged him, while pupils and parents cheered him on.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said the attack was unacceptable, disrespectful and undermined the human dignity of an officer who was merely doing his job.
"We hope that the courts will deal harshly with this man to send a clear message that law enforcement officers are not to be impeded or undermined in any manner during the execution of their duties."
Ekurhuleni metro police spokesperson Clifford Shongwe said the officer, Chief Superintendent JL Mbhele, had noticed someone parked on the wrong side of the road outside the Dunnottar Primary School on Monday.
"The officer tried to explain to the driver that he can't park on the wrong side of the road. When he tried to issue a fine, he was assaulted."
Mbhele was traumatized, but recovering, Shongwe said.
The alleged assailant, a 34-year-old man, appeared in the Dunnottar Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. He would remain in custody until his next appearance in September.
