CCID officer injured in late-night crash

A Central City Improvement District (CCID) Public Safety Officer is recovering in hospital after being struck by a vehicle at the corner of Wale and Bree streets in the early hours of Friday, June 27.

CCID spokeswoman Sharon Sorour-Morris said the officer sustained a broken leg. Doctors are waiting for the swelling to subside before performing surgery.

“Other than that, he is doing okay,” she said.

According to police, Cape Town central officers opened a case of reckless and negligent driving for further investigation.

Provincial police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said officers were on patrol when they noticed a vehicle speeding down Wale Street.

She said the vehicle allegedly drove through a red traffic light, hit a traffic signal, and injured the security officer.

“A 24-year-old man was arrested for reckless and negligent driving. He appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court and was released on bail. The case was postponed to Tuesday, July 15,” said Ms Manyana.

Jurie Bruwer, manager of the CCID’s safety and security department, said the incident occurred at about 2.15am. The officer had been stationed on the centre island at the intersection of Bree and Wale streets when he was hit.

Mr Bruwer confirmed the officer sustained head, neck, and leg injuries.

“The driver struck the PSO when his vehicle mounted the pavement of the centre island. He was approaching the intersection at speed and, in an attempt to avoid colliding with another vehicle, lost control. He mounted the pavement, struck a metal traffic pole, and injured the officer. He also knocked down a traffic light. The vehicle eventually came to a stop on the sidewalk, facing oncoming traffic,” said Mr Bruwer.

CCID night manager Gary Dyssel, who was on duty at the time, was among the first responders.

“With the help of our mobile team members, we administered first aid while waiting for paramedics. SAPS, the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, Metro Police, and City Law Enforcement all responded in record time. The PSO was taken by ambulance to N1 City Hospital,” he said.