A recent altercation involving Gauteng Traffic Wardens and community members has drawn widespread attention after a video about the incident circulated on social media.
The chaotic footage, taken in Reiger Park on September 9, shows residents confronting the wardens and the situation escalating into a physical altercation.
Duwayne de Klerk, one of the accused, claims that the video does not tell the full story.
According to De Klerk, he and his friends were heading home when they encountered a Germiston warden who, without warning, began a confrontation.
“The warden jumped out of the vehicle and pointed his finger in my face.
“I didn’t know what was happening at first, but quickly realised this was the same person who had issues with me and my friends before he became a warden,” De Klerk explained.
De Klerk claims the warden began to assault him.
“It was clear this was a personal attack, and I defended myself,” he stated.
He further explained the video on social media only shows the latter part of the incident and does not capture how the confrontation began.
De Klerk’s account suggests that tensions escalated further when the warden’s brother became involved, tackling one of his friends to the ground.
“That’s when my friends stepped in and hit him, as shown in the video,” De Klerk said, adding some of the warden’s colleagues tried to defuse the situation and even apologised for the warden’s behaviour.
Also Read: VIDEO: Men assault Gauteng Traffic Wardens in Reiger Park
However, the conflict did not end there.
According to De Klerk, he and his friends later encountered the warden again. This time, the warden had removed his uniform, and another altercation ensued.
“When they saw us approaching to discuss the matter, the warden and his brother, along with a friend, started hitting me again, and my friends jumped in to help.”
After the community intervened to stop the brawl, De Klerk said he went to the police station to report the assault. However, his experience with law enforcement left him frustrated.
“The warden had already put his uniform back on and opened a case against me. I was charged with assault and denied the opportunity to open a case,” he claimed, adding he was also denied proper medical care for his injuries.
Despite the incident, De Klerk desired to move past the situation.
“I humbly apologise for my role in this. I have no personal issues with the warden and believe we can put this behind us,” he said.
When approached for comment, Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane declined to provide details, saying the case was sub judice.
“We cannot comment at this time, as it could jeopardise the legal proceedings,” he said.
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