CAN WE ALL USE BLUE LIGHTS OR ONLY JULIUS MALEMA?

After the economic freedom march, Julius Malema was reportedly whisked away to the airport in a blue light convoy. It is time Gauteng's Community Safety MEC, Faith Mazibuko and SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lt. Gen Petros, explain the rules around the use of blue lights on vehicles (see Sunday Times report).

I fail to understand how an ordinary citizen like Julius Malema can be allowed to travel in a blue light convoy. Does this mean that any person who pleases, can do the same? or would they be pulled over and arrested?

It is alleged that JMPD Metro Police Chief, Chris Ngcobo, organised the escort and JMPD spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar, stated there is nothing unusual about this as JMPD help all members of the public in "emergency situations".

Getting to the airport on time to catch a flight to a wedding in Mauritius is not an emergency. JMPD quite clearly are unable to distinguish a real emergency from the overblown self-importance of a particular individual.

This is the second time this month that Malema has reportedly travelled in this way and once again it is an indication that there is a different set of rules for the ANC elite. It is time all provinces followed the example of the DA government in the Western Cape who have banned blue lights on their vehicles.

Statement issued by Kate Lorimer MPL, DA Gauteng Safety & Security Spokesperson, October 30 2011

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