Durban — KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Sipho Hlomuka has called on the police to form a special task team to urgently find the killers of a KwaDukuza traffic senior official who died in hospital after he was shot on the N2 on Friday morning.
Hlomuka said according to the police report, on Friday, Superintendent Eddie Boaventura, from KwaDukuza Municipal Traffic, was killed when he approached a suspicious vehicle that is alleged to have been involved in committing a crime. The incident happened on the N2 Blythedale Beach flyover.
The vehicle is believed to have been used in the robbery of a local shop in KwaDukuza and met the description in circulation.
Boaventura was shot by suspects with a high-calibre firearm. He was airlifted to a hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The suspects fled.
Police are investigating a case of murder.
Hlomuka described Superintendent Boaventura as a brave traffic officer who died with his boots on trying to save innocent people of KZN from dangerous criminals.
“We are engaging with the police management to speedily find the suspects responsible for the heinous murder. Superintendent Boaventura demonstrated bravery and leadership until the last minute. He personally took it upon himself to chase dangerous and heavily armed criminals. His loss in such a tragic way is a setback to the traffic fraternity. We however appeal to all traffic officials, not to despair but close ranks against criminals. We salute Superintendent Boaventura for his work and dedication to the service and to the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
“As we are approaching the festive season period, we needed him and many of his colleagues the most to fight crime in communities and ensure the safety of road users. We also wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the security cluster,” Hlomuka said.
He added that November was declared a Safety Month, and the government working with stakeholders and communities was leading the campaign against police killings. This calls on all the people of the province to protect and defend all men and women in uniform.
He also said the targeting and killing of police and traffic officers by criminals needed to be met with strong resistance and by developing a clear response and integrated plan by all agencies involved in law-enforcement.
IPSS Medical Rescue who responded to the shooting said Boaventura succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his wife, family, friends and colleagues,” said IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Dylan Meyrick.
Earlier, Meyrick had said that there was an armed robbery at a shop in Stanger. The getaway vehicle used had five or six suspects who were seen travelling towards the N2.
He said as they joined the N2 under the Stanger bridge, a traffic officer from KwaDukuza Municipality stopped them.
The traffic officer approached the vehicle unaware that it had just been involved in an armed robbery. A suspect then jumped out and opened fire on him.
“The officer was shot multiple times and is in critical condition.
“IPSS advanced life paramedics were on the scene within two minutes and worked to stabilise him before he was flown to a Level 1 Trauma Facility in Pietermaritzburg by the Netcare 911 helicopter,” Meyrick said.
“The suspects travelled south on the N2 and were last seen at the Mvoti Toll.”
Daily News