MEDIA STATEMENT

TRAFFIC OFFICER SHOT AND KILLED AT THE N3 MARIANHILL TOLL PLAZA

Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Bheki Cele has condemned the killing of a Road Traffic Inspectorate - Traffic Officer who was shot and killed at the N3 Marianhill Toll Plaza this morning.

Sagren Pillay, a traffic officer from RTI Pinetown and his crew were conducting a speed timing exercise when a bakkie traveling at a considerable speed failed to stop. The bakkie collided into the pillars at the tollgate and eventually stopped. Pillay arrested the driver, and applied handcuffs on the suspect who immediately pulled out a firearm and shot Pillay, fatally wounding him.

The suspect and accomplice were arrested on the spot, while the third fled the scene. Cele sent his condolences to the Pillay family. He said he was distraught at the senseless killing of a dedicated traffic officer who was doing his duty to save lives on the province’s roads.

"I have repeatedly called on members of all law enforcement agencies to do everything in their power to protect themselves. This senseless killing once again proves how important it is for the law enforcement agencies to be vigilant and not allow criminals to put their lives at risk. If a person points a camera at them, they must smile, but if a criminal points a firearm at them, they must do all in their power, including the use of their officially issued firearms to protect themselves,’ He said.

Pillay is survived by his wife and a child.

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