By REGINALD KANYANE
A motorist, who allegedly attacked a North West traffic officer, will be back in court for a formal bail application at Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Sabata Kortman was arrested along with his sister, Ntswaki Kortman (26) for crimen injuria and failure to comply with traffic official.
Kortman was clearly seen manhandling a traffic officer, Johannes Manthi in an incident caught on video. He also threatened to cut-off Manthi’s manhood.
North West police spokesperson, Col Pelonomi Makau said the suspects appeared at Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“Two people were arrested and appeared in court after they allegedly assaulted a traffic officer. Sabata Kortman (32) and his younger sister, Ntswaki Kortman (26) were denied bail and remanded in custody. They were charged with crimen injuria and failure to comply with traffic official.
“They will be back in court on Thursday for formal bail application. We urge all road users to cooperate and obey the rules and regulations of the roads. They must also comply when stopped by traffic and police officials.”
The officer, Johannes Manthi Johannes Manthi (47) said he felt disrespected and humiliated by a motorist who attacked him on Sunday between Potchefstroom and Johannesburg on N12 road.
Manthi said he was on duty with his female colleague 12km outside Potchefstroom when the incident happened.
“I stopped the motorist who was driving a Yaris vehicle after he overtook another vehicle on the barrier line. I gave him a fine for breaking the law. However, all hell broke loose when I requested a physical address from him.
“Sabata Kortman gave me a post address instead, but I politely explained him that I needed a physical address. Kortman failed to cooperate and hurled insults at me. He demanded his driver’s licence back but I refused. He man-handled and assaulted me after I refused to hand over his licence,” Manthi said.
A 47 year-old man is living with disability after being involved in a horrible car accident back in 2013. Manthi said he lost a limb during the accident and being attacked in public especially by motorist was absurd and distasteful.
“The area is one of the high risk areas and more than 55% of accidents took place here. So, being attacked for doing my job is debauched. We are here to assist and render our services to all road users. Traffic officers’ high visibility on the roads, endeavour to minimise disruption. Traffic officers also provide safe and timely response to incidents.
“We liaise with emergency services where necessary and relieve congestion as soon as possible. So, this incident will not deter my spirit and I am looking forward to work with cooperative motorists on the roads during festive season,” he said.
The Guardian 