Cape Town - 18 Western Cape traffic officers who died while contributing towards safer roads were honoured during a wreath laying ceremony on Monday.
As October marks Transport Month, Mobility MEC Daylin Mitchell joined the provincial traffic services and relatives at the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell.
The College is the cornerstone of the traffic fraternity, where most traffic officers within the province received their initial training.
Mitchell said the men and women in blue paid the ultimate price while performing their daily duties to serve and protect road users in the Western Cape.
“The laying of wreaths is an integral part of many remembrance services and highlights the functional and commemorative roles our 18 officers have formed part of. Through this gesture, we could pay our respect to the fallen heroes who are husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters who made the final sacrifice for this province.
“Other than paying our respects to our fallen colleagues today, we also acknowledge and recognise their loved ones who supported our heroes throughout their careers,” said Mitchell.
He said it was unfortunate that too many people were still losing their lives on roads due to negligence and a complete disregard of fellow road users.
The fallen traffic officers honoured were:
- Leslie Van Oord
- Mark Jansen
- Tamsanqa Pantsi
- Anthony September
- Zintle Tsutsu
- Phumzile Banisi
- Leighwyn Bester
- Elliot Samela
- Wandisile Dlepu
- Lisel-Jo Willemse
- Charmaine Olivier
- Siyamthemba Nongxaza
- Jan Willemse
- Willis Smith
- Siphokazi Fihla
- Mbulelo Dyani
- Thembisile Nongogo
- Lunga Fuzani
Cape Times