A regular afternoon of traffic management took an unpleasant turn on Monday when a well-known local traffic warden was injured in a road rage incident at a busy intersection, Cape {town}Etc reports.
It comes after traffic warden Ernest Nqoko, affectionately recognised by residents as ‘Smiley’, was struck by a vehicle while managing peak-hour traffic at the George Rex intersection on Tuesday, 21 April.
The attack reportedly caused significant traffic disruption and distress among commuters.
Viewer discretion advised: Footage shows the moment Knysna traffic warden, ‘Smiley,’ is struck during a road rage incident while managing traffic.
The episode has drawn a strong response from the Knysna Municipality, which condemned the incident and confirmed that a criminal case has been opened, with investigations now underway.
The motorist has since been arrested.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Executive Mayor Thando Matika denounced the attack ‘in the strongest terms’, describing it as unacceptable and emphasising that ‘such thuggery will not be tolerated’.
He noted that staff members are expected to carry out their duties without fear of harm, especially in high-pressure environments such as peak-hour traffic control.
‘Our municipal staff serve the community with dedicatin and professionalism. They cannot and will not be subjected to abuse or violence while performing their duties,’ Matika added.
Matika also highlighted Nqoko’s long-standing presence on local roads, describing him as a familiar and uplifting figure to motorists travelling along the N2 highway.
His energy and approachable nature have made him a recognisable part of daily commutes along th N2. According to the municipality, Nqoko has now been struck by a vehicle five times during the course of his duties.
‘The fact that this is the fifth time he has been struck is both devastating and traumatic for him,’ said Matika. ‘No one should have to endure such repeated harm.’
The municipality stressed that roads must remain shared spaces where respect and responsibility are prioritised.
Residents or witnesses with information have been encouraged to contact the South African Police Service as investigations continue.
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Picture: Knysna Municipality/Facebook
