Technology has closed the loop on a case that began with an act of alleged roadside violence. A 39-year-old man is behind bars, facing a charge of assault, after being linked to the alleged attack on an Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) traffic warden in Alberton last December.
The arrest on Thursday, 15 January 2026, was the result of a month-long investigation sparked by an incident on 10 December 2025. According to the EMPD, a female traffic warden was assaulted while carrying out her duties. A case was opened in Germiston, but the assailant reportedly fled the scene, leaving investigators with a critical piece of evidence: details of the vehicle involved.
A Digital Eye Catches a Fugitive Car
The breakthrough came through modern policing technology. Officers received intelligence on the whereabouts of a blue BMW believed to be connected to the assault. This vehicle was subsequently detected by an automatic licence plate recognition (ANPR) camera as it travelled through Alberton.
The digital alert prompted an immediate response. Officers intercepted the BMW on Voortrekker Road. During the stop, the driver was interviewed and, according to police, admitted to being involved in an altercation with the traffic warden. This admission, coupled with the vehicle identification, led to his immediate arrest.
A Firm Stance Against Attacks on Officers
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and detained at the Germiston police station. He is scheduled to appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court to face a formal charge of assault.
The EMPD has used the incident to issue a stern warning, condemning any violence against law enforcement personnel. The department emphasised that such attacks are serious crimes that “endanger lives and undermine public safety and the rule of law.” They urged all motorists and members of the public to respect traffic officers, cautioning that acts of aggression or intimidation will result in arrest and prosecution.
The case underscores a growing reliance on technology like ANPR to solve crimes and hold perpetrators accountable, even when they initially evade capture. For the EMPD, it’s a clear message: an assault on an officer is an assault on the community’s safety, and they will use every tool available to seek justice.
