RIP: EC Dept of Transport mourns tragic death of traffic officer

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has been driven into mourning following the tragic death of a dedicated traffic officer in the province.

DEATH OF TRAFFIC OFFICER SENDS A SHOCK A WAVE

Officer Sonica Esmeralda Smith, was shot and killed while on duty on the R75 near Kwadwesi earlier today, Wednesday, 21 September.

ALSO READ: Woman traffic cop shot and killed at a checkpoint on Wednesday

It is alleged that at about 10:42, Officer Sonica and two of her colleagues, a male and a female were conducting vehicle checks.

While the male official was standing on the road, one female was busy writing out summons and the deceased female was seated on the driver’s seat busy with documentation when four males walked toward the male traffic officer standing on the road.

“They pointed him with a firearm and disarmed him.”

EC Dept of Transport

It is further alleged that when the traffic officer who was seated in the vehicle attempted to react after seeing what had happened, she was shot in her chest while still seated in the vehicle. Her firearm was also taken.”

EC Dept of Transport

ALSO READ: Manhunt launched after two off-duty police officers shot

It is also reported that the suspects ran off on foot.

LONG SERVICE BY SLAIN FEMALE TRAFFIC COP

Sonica (42) was appointed on 1 June 2007 as a Provincial Inspector Struandale and had served in the position for the past 14 years.

Paying tribute, Sarah Baartman District manager, Bukiwe Ncipa-Wali said:

“Ms Sonica Smith was one of the dedicated, committed and hard-working traffic officers. She had a bubbly personality and was always willing to assist fellow colleagues”.

“As one of the senior officers, she was regarded as a Mentor by some of her colleagues. She was an organised person and a good administrator as well.”

Wali

Sonica leaves behind three children, aged 21, 10 and 7.