KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Ms. Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni has expressed deep shock following the tragic passing of a traffic officer, who was knocked by a vehicle following in the high-speed chase with the police on the N2 Prospecton in Durban.

Provincial Inspector Devan Naik who was stationed at Winkelspruit RTI, lost his life on Tuesday (18 May 2021) at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg after sustaining fatal wounds after he was knocked by a vehicle on Sunday the 16th of May 2021. The incident happened as members of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) were conducting their routine speed operation.

It is alleged that a black VW Golf, which was travelling at 200 km/h, was transporting drugs when it was chased by Metro Police and SAPS. Provincial Inspector Naik intervened by trying to stop the vehicle when he was accidently knocked by a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. The drug suspect was arrested immediately on the scene. The driver of a vehicle that knocked Provincial Inspector Naik, was also arrested and is facing a case of culpable homicide. The incident happened as he was in full uniform and wearing a reflective vest, which is a requirement for traffic officers when conducting such operations.

Upon impact, Provincial Inspector Naik sustained serious head injuries and was airlifted to the hospital. He passed away two days later after his situation deteriorated.

Reacting to the sad passing of Provincial Inspector Naik, MEC Nkonyeni, described him as a gallant fighter, who died saving the nation from a dangerous drug lord and errant driver, who had no regard for the rule of law.

“We wish to convey our deepest condolences and sympathy to the Naik family and the entire traffic fraternity. Provincial Inspector Naik was one of the most dedicated and hard-working officers, who would go beyond the call of duty to save lives of innocent people on the road. He died with his boots on and he died in the line of duty. His departure will not be in vain but instead we will play close attention to both cases and make sure justice is done. The integrated approach in fighting crime and fighting road carnage is more important during this time and through the collaborative efforts it is yielding positive results. Provincial Inspector Naik’s passing is a big blow as he was experienced and he died at time when we need more traffic officers than before,” said MEC Nkonyeni.

In his memory, we call on all traffic officers to continue working hard, rooting out all irresponsible drivers and criminals who are using our roads to perfume their nefarious deeds. MEC Nkonyeni further called all on the people of KwaZulu-Natal to honour Provincial Inspector Naik by simple taking responsibility and respecting traffic laws.

The province of KwaZulu-Natal recorded a 14 percent decline in the Festive Season statistics because of dedicated traffic officers, who have undertaken to risk their lives to save the lives of others.

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