Female RTI officer previously hailed for bravery arrests armed motorist on N3

A female Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officer previously praised for her bravery has again helped take an armed motorist off the road after a dramatic arrest on the N3 on Saturday morning. According to KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, the officer stopped the motorist around 4 am after he was seen speeding towards oncoming traffic, endangering other road users. During the arrest, RTI officers discovered a firearm, 49 rounds of ammunition and two magazines, including an extended magazine.

Duma said the officer had already built a reputation for taking firm action against reckless and dangerous drivers. “We recall that a few months ago, the same female officer received praise in various quarters for her bravery,” he said. This is after she arrested an aggressive motorist who was carrying a gun and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The MEC said RTI officers had once again put themselves at risk to protect innocent road users. “Our highly dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate risked their lives in order to save innocent road users,” said Duma. The arrested motorist is facing charges of driving against oncoming traffic in contravention of the National Road Traffic Act, reckless and negligent driving, failing to comply with the directions of a traffic officer, resisting arrest and failing to disclose that he was in possession of a firearm. Duma said minimum force had to be used after the motorist allegedly resisted arrest.