DA KZN SPOKESPERSON FOR TRANSPORT

THE Democratic Alliance has expressed disappointment at yesterday's acquittal of a ‘blue light' policeman, who is alleged to have fired three shots at an elderly motorist, while travelling near Durban in June 2008, as part of an armed convoy for then-ANC president, Jacob Zuma (see Mercury report).

The policeman, Superintendent Muzingaye Mxolisi Dladla, has denied firing the shots, stating that he fired a single warning shot, believing 84 year old motorist, Dirk "Dan" Matthee to be a threat to the convoy.  Ballistics reports have meanwhile confirmed that there are three bullet holes in Matthee's vehicle. Magistrate Fariedha Mohamed yesterday acquitted Dladla, citing Matthee's evidence as ‘far from satisfactory' and the State's case ‘seriously lacking'.

 "Yet again, justice has not been served, with the prosecution clearly lacking.  It is difficult to understand what kind of risk an 84-year-old motorist can pose to a supposedly crack VIP unit.  The message being sent out in this case is ‘it's ok to shoot', rather than practice restraint," said DA KZN transport spokesperson, Radley Keys.

Keys said that the DA was pleased that the prosecution in this matter intended appealing the decision and confirmed that he would also call for answers from KZN Transport MEC, Willies Mchunu.

 "We want to know whether Superintendent Dladla has been the subject of an internal investigation and, if so, whether any form of disciplinary action has been taken against him. Unless strong and unequivocal action is taken in these cases it is going to be difficult to reign in blue light bullies."

Statement issued by Radley Keys, MPP, Democratic Alliance KZN spokesperson for transport, February 11 2010

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