· The officer had stopped to assist police when a speeding Toyota Fortuner slammed into the scene, killing him instantly.

· The driver, 37, was arrested for culpable homicide and taken for a blood alcohol test after the crash.

A young law enforcement officer was killed in Cape Town after a drunk driver crashed into a police vehicle while he was helping officers at an active scene.

The 28-year-old officer had stopped on the side of the road in his Volkswagen Polo to assist South African Police Service members. A marked police vehicle was already parked nearby with blue lights flashing.

Western Cape police spokesperson Frederick Van Wyk said the incident happened when a silver grey Toyota Fortuner approached the scene at high speed.

“The Toyota Fortuner drove into the back of the police vehicle, which overturned,” said Van Wyk. “The law enforcement officer was standing with police members when the impact occurred.”

Police officers managed to jump out of the way just in time. The law enforcement officer was not as lucky and was fatally injured during the collision.

The Fortuner then crashed into a nearby tree and came to a stop.

“The 28-year-old law enforcement officer was declared dead at the scene due to the injuries he sustained,” said Van Wyk.

The driver of the Fortuner, a 37-year-old man, was arrested and taken to the Shadow Centre for a blood alcohol test. He was later detained at Nyanga police station on a charge of culpable homicide.

Police said the suspect will appear in court once formally charged.

Residents have reacted with anger and sadness, calling for tougher action against drunk drivers.

Lusanele Dakuse, 45, said lives are being destroyed by reckless behaviour. “A family lost their loved one because someone chose to drive drunk. Jail will not bring him back, but people must face consequences,” he said.

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said drunk drivers must be held fully responsible. “That officer was standing still. How fast was that driver going not to see the scene ahead?” the resident asked.

Pictured above: police tape

Image source: supplied