The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, has expressed deep shock following the tragic passing of Provincial Inspector, Devan Naik, who was stationed at Winkelspruit RTI.
According to media reports, Naik was trying to stop traffic in the midst of a police chase with the driver of a VW GTI R35 suspected to be carrying drugs, when he was knocked down by another motorist on the N2, Prospecton. According to Netcare 911 media liaison officer, Shawn Herbst, on 16 May, at about 8.28am, paramedics responded to a collision on the N2 near the Prospecton Road off-ramp. “Reports indicated that a traffic officer was struck down by a motor vehicle. The patient had sustained critical injuries and was treated on-scene by Netcare 911 Emergency Care Practitioners. Due to the serious nature of the patient’s injuries, a Netcare 911 helicopter was activated to airlift the officer to a specialist facility,” said Herbst.
Naik lost his life on Tuesday, 18 May, at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg after sustaining life-threatening injuries. Nkonyeni said it was 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 accidentally 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.”
Nkonyeni described Naik 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.” She said his death will not be in vain as it will play an important role in both cases, to make sure that justice is served. “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.” Durban Metro Police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, said the chase commenced when police had noticed a motorist in a VW GTI R35 driving recklessly near Stamford Hill Road on Sunday morning. He said the officers pursued the driver who tested his vehicle to the limit and refused to stop for police. “The chase continued on the N3 and then to the N2 all the way to Galleria Mall where the driver made a u-turn and headed back to Durban. Police acted quickly to cut off the suspect by closing the N2 near the old airport. He was nabbed and found in possession of drugs. Sadly, an RTI Officer was killed in the wake of the chase,” Sewpersad said. Naik, who resided in Phoenix, is mourned by his wife, 12-year-old son, mother and a host of relatives, colleagues and friends.
