Some Thoughts after 2008 (3)

3 -- The Blue Light motorcade scandals

The flashing blue lights on cars is in most countries used only on emergency vehicles, and then only when absolutely needed, and not in a way that could cause dangers for other vehicles. In South Africa it is also used for VIP's transport, usually in the fast lane and at speeds far above the speed limits! There has been a number of incidents, but one happened a few months ago, that is really scandalous!

A car travelling from Pietermaritsburg towards Durban Was shot at, because the driver of the vehicle didn't give way immediately, which was impossible at that moment because a big truck was in the other lane. When he did give way a VIP guard shot two rounds, one of which made one of his front tyres flat. He lost controll of his car an collided with another car coming from the opposite direction. 8 people injured...

The VIP car didn't even have a VIP inside... They were speeding because they were a bit late to pick up the MEC (Social Welfare). This is worse than the Old Wild West!

And at the beginning of 2009 the President's modorcade was involved in another incident near Johannesburg. A guy was shot in his arm by a VIP guard. There happened to be a TV-crew from SABC at the scene. Their footage was confiscated... It has now been handed back to SABC and the case is under investigation.