By Farhana Ismail
A newly-wed couple, driving 175km/h in a 120km/h zone, allegedly killed a traffic officer on the N3 near Estcourt on Saturday morning.
The officer, Sipho Radebe, 41, died on the spot while his colleague, Ronnie Ahir, who flagged down the Lenasia couple who were heading to Johannesburg from Durban, escaped unhurt.
The couple, Gerald and Krishna Masha, in their 20s, were thrown out of their car before it burst into flames. They sustained injuries and were admitted to the Estcourt hospital.
A traffic police spokesperson, Vijen Murugan, said the two officers were conducting a speed timing excercise on the N3 northbound, when they trapped the motorist. The motorist allegedly tried to stop before losing control and ploughed into the patrol car where Radebe was standing.
Radebe had been with traffic department for 14 years.
He is survived by his wife and children. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated against the driver.
Murugan said the surviving traffic officer was receiving psychological treatment following the incident.
KZN MEC for Transport Sbu Ndebele expressed outrage at the "senseless killing", and called for tougher punishment for motorists who display a blatant disregard for road rules.