MEC praises brave Cape Town traffic cop
Transport MEC Donald Grant has praised traffic cop Nizaam Alexander, the star of a video doing the rounds on social media.
|||Cape Town - Western Cape Transport and Public Works MEC Donald Grant on Thursday congratulated a Cape Town traffic officer for his conduct during an attack while he was on duty in late 2015.
“Traffic Officer Nizaam Alexander's conduct in this incident exemplifies the professionalism and dedication to duty of our traffic officers from all services,” said Grant.
He referred to a video doing the rounds on social media where users are lauding the officer for his bravery and commitment to fulfilling his duty.
The video was released by the Transport and Public Works department on its website and on YouTube and shows the footage recorded on Alexander's vehicle dashcam on November 17, 2015.
Alexander, who received the accolade of the City of Cape Town Traffic Services Departmental Traffic Officer of the Year Award 2015, is seen approaching a vehicle on the N2 highway near Borchard's Quarry.
The driver was attempting to bypass morning traffic by driving on the yellow line.
While Alexander went about his duties, an unidentified suspect is seen walking past the vehicle.
A few moments later - while Alexander's back is turned to the suspect - the man is seen attempting to cock his gun.
Initially, the firearm jammed.
Within moments, the suspect is right behind Alexander, who turns to face the suspect, sees the gun, and begins to retreat.
The suspect is seen and heard opening fire while Alexander ducked and rolled away.
“Following his training, he made himself as small a target as possible, drew his firearm and returned fire, before pursuing the suspect on foot,” said Grant.
The suspect is then seen fleeing the scene, towards the informal housing settlement next to the freeway, escaping arrest.
Alexander - who was shot in the back but was saved from any major injury by his bulletproof vest - then made his way back to the vehicle he had pulled over to continue his duties.
Grant said he praised the actions of Alexander, an example of the calibre of officers the city and province had in its employment.
“We commend all our devoted traffic officers who place their lives in danger every day to make our roads safer,” he said.
African News Agency