NPA Must Investigate Reckless Ministerial Road Behaviour

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
MR KOOS VAN DER MERWE MP
IFP CHIEF WHIP

April 18, 2007

The Inkatha Freedom Party's Chief Whip, Mr Koos van der Merwe MP, has written to the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv V Pikoli, urging him to urgently investigate the unprecedented upsurge in public complaints about the illegal and reckless behaviour of ministerial vehicle convoys on our country's roads.

"These complaints centre on the excessive speeds at which these convoys travel, alleged attempts to push others of the road, reckless overtaking manoeuvres and indiscriminate use of sirens and blue emergency lights. In my opinion, all of the above, is extremely dangerous and constitutes gross negligence and reckless endangerment," said Mr van der Merwe.

He continued: "In December of last year I lodged a complaint with the Public Prosecutor against Minister Jeff Radebe's speeding convey for disobeying traffic laws and causing danger to other road users.

"However, these reported incidences of lawless behaviour are a matter of national importance and therefore, I am formally requesting the NPA to investigate the allegations of illegal behaviour by the vehicle convoys of Minister Jeff Radebe and others, such as KwaZulu-Natal public works MEC Lydia Johnson.

"We would for once and for all appreciate clarity on the legal position of ministerial convoys relating to: a) travelling at excessive speeds, b) using sirens and flashing lights indiscriminately and c) pushing other motorists out of the way."

In conclusion Mr van der Merwe said: "I would like to urge Adv V Pikoli to conclude the necessary investigations swiftly and to inform us of what steps the NPA plan to take against ministerial and other convoys that clearly transgress the traffic laws of South Africa. The NPA must prosecute offenders irrespective of who they are."


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Koos van der Merwe MP: 082 444 4944
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470