Traffic officer Anathi Ndyalvan is being praised for his swift response after helping save the life of Table View ward councillor Sue van der Linde during a medical emergency on the N1 earlier this month.
Van der Linde suffered a stroke while driving on Monday, May 4, and credits Ndyalvan’s quick thinking with getting her to hospital in time for life-saving treatment.
Speaking about the ordeal, Van der Linde said she began feeling severely unwell while travelling on the N1 and managed to steer her vehicle into the yellow lane moments before losing consciousness.
Realising she needed urgent help, she spotted Ndyalvan’s traffic vehicle nearby and focused on pulling in safely behind him. After contacting the City’s emergency line, Ndyalvan immediately stepped in and requested medical assistance.
“When I regained consciousness, Officer Ndyalvan was already speaking to emergency services and arranging an ambulance,” – Van der Linde .
Although an ambulance arrived, she could not be transported immediately due to staffing complications. By then, the right side of her body had gone numb and she was struggling to walk.
Concerned about the delay, Ndyalvan made the decision to transport her himself to Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital using her own vehicle, while another traffic officer assisted by clearing traffic ahead with blue lights and a siren.
Doctors later confirmed Van der Linde had suffered a stroke.
She said medical staff informed her that arriving within the critical “golden hour” allowed doctors to administer clot-busting treatment before permanent damage occurred.
“Within two days, I could walk again and had regained full strength in my right hand and arm,” she said.
Van der Linde spent a week recovering in the coronary care unit and is now recovering at home.
Describing the officer as calm and compassionate, she said his actions likely saved her life.
Reflecting on the incident, Ndyalvan said protecting and assisting the public forms part of his duty as a traffic officer.
“When emergencies happen and the outcome is positive, I feel that I have fulfilled the purpose for which I was called,” he said.