logo
NPA secures preservation order in unlawful blue lights case

NPA secures preservation order in unlawful blue lights case

The Citizen18-07-2025
The suspect who was driving the car that was illegally fitted with blue lights was an illegal immigrant and has been deported.
The North West High Court has granted the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) a preservation order which relates to an SUV unlawfully fitted with blue lights.
The order was granted to the NPA's Asset Forfeiture Unit on Wednesday, allowing it to seize the silver Toyota Fortuner valued at about R600 000.
Driver arrested in Vryburg
This comes after a suspect was arrested for unlawfully using blue identification lights along the N18 near Vryburg on 27 April.
According to NPA communications officer Sivenathi Gunya, the arrest was made in terms of regulations 176 and 185 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000.
'[The regulations] prohibit the unauthorised fitting or display of blue lights reserved exclusively for emergency and law enforcement vehicles,' Gunya said in a statement.
'According to the law, only specific personnel are permitted to use such lights when performing official duties.'
These include members of the South African Police Service, municipal police, provincial and municipal traffic officers, and the military police of the South African National Defence Force.
More woes for the suspect
To make matters worse, the suspect was in the country illegally.
ALSO READ: Thrrr…Phaaa: Musician Selaelo Selota's Mercedes frozen as SIU probes misuse of lottery funds
In addition to the blue light offence, he was also charged and convicted under section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 for being in South Africa without valid documentation.
He was subsequently deported by immigration enforcement procedures.
'Ruling sends a strong message'
Gunya said the NPA welcomes the court's decision as a firm affirmation of the rule of law and a critical step in combating the abuse of state-like authority.
'The ruling sends a strong message that the justice system will not tolerate actions that endanger public safety, erode trust in legitimate law enforcement, or create fear and confusion on our roads.'
'A serious threat'
Dr Rachel Makhari, North West director of Public Prosecutions, said the outcome reaffirms the NPA's commitment to tackling so-called blue-lights bullies who intimidate road users and undermine public safety.
'These individuals often act with impunity, posing a serious threat to both the physical safety of citizens and the credibility of law enforcement agencies,' Makhari said.
'The NPA, through its Asset Forfeiture Unit, will continue to take decisive action to dismantle this form of organised criminality by seizing their tools of trade, particularly unlawfully used vehicles, and pursuing the appropriate legal remedies.
She said the state prosecuting agency remains steadfast in its duty to uphold the law and protect communities from people who seek to exploit systems of authority for criminal gain.
NOW READ: Fake commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazis pop up online
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Bogus prosecutor charged after defrauding NPA of R1. 1 million using fraudulent law degree
Bogus prosecutor charged after defrauding NPA of R1. 1 million using fraudulent law degree

IOL News

time14 hours ago

  • IOL News

Bogus prosecutor charged after defrauding NPA of R1. 1 million using fraudulent law degree

Luthando Nomandindi is facing serious charges after purportedly defrauding the State of more than R1.1 million as a fake prosecutor. A former prosecutor for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), is facing serious charges after purportedly defrauding the state of more than R1.1 million. Luthando Nomandindi, 33, appeared in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court in the Eastern Cape facing charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering. The charges against Nomandindi stem from his time at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), where he was enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree programme from 2010 to 2016. Despite being registered for six years, Nomandindi failed to satisfy the academic requirements necessary for graduation. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana explained that between January 2010 and December 2016, Nomandindi was enrolled for a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree at Walter Sisulu University, however, he did not meet the graduation criteria. "Despite this, in 2020, Nomandindi apparently submitted a falsified LLB degree certificate and a bogus Legal Education and Development (L.E.A.D) attendance report as part of his application to the NPA's Aspirant Prosecutor Programme, which required a legitimate LLB qualification or proof of final-year status." said Mhlakuvana. Mhlakuvana said based on his fraudulent credentials, in January 2021, Nomandindi was appointed as an Aspirant Prosecutor and later elevated to the position of Public Prosecutor.

Ramaphosa says Madlanga commission mustn't take more than one year
Ramaphosa says Madlanga commission mustn't take more than one year

The Citizen

time16 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Ramaphosa says Madlanga commission mustn't take more than one year

The president, however, conceded that the commission's timeframe could be extended if needed. With some South Africans voicing their concern that the judicial commission of inquiry into the police will take too long, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday it mustn't take more than a year. Two weeks ago, Ramaphosa announced his decision to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Among these were claims that police minister Senzo Mchunu – now on special leave – intervened to disband the KZN political killings task team in order to shield individuals linked to politically connected crime syndicates. Mkhwanazi also alleged Mchunu had connections to tenderpreneur Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a figure who previously held a now-cancelled R360 million police contract. ALSO READ: NA agrees to establish ad hoc committee to investigate Mkhwanazi's allegations The inquiry, to be chaired by outgoing deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will probe allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in South Africa's criminal justice system. This includes key institutions such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the South African Police Service (Saps) and the State Security Agency (SSA). According to the terms of reference published this week in the Government Gazette, the commission has been empowered to summon individuals for testimony, among other functions. The commission is expected to deliver a preliminary report in three months and a final report within six months of its formation. [DOWNLOAD]: Judicial Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the Criminal Justice System arising from the specific allegations made public by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025. 🔗 July 23, 2025 Ramaphosa on Madlanga commission timelines Speaking to the media in the Northern Cape on Friday, Ramaphosa said that the political task team in KZN had already made progress and has done 'tremendous work'. 'The killings then started coming down in KZN, so the complaints that have been raised by the KZN police commissioner have to be investigated. 'Those have to be investigated and that is why I set up the commission,' he said. The president reiterated his expectation that the commission's work would be conducted swiftly and conclude its work within a year. 'I expect that this commission, whose terms of reference are now out, will work very quickly and we've put clear timeframes. We would like a report within three months and another report within another three months. READ MORE: 'Same as Phala Phala' – Police committee member not optimistic about Mchunu investigations 'So I'm looking at a period which is no more than a year. In fact, I would like us to get to the bottom of all what the police commissioner of KZN alleged to be addressed and answers to come out within a short space of time,' Ramaphosa said. He also conceded that the timeframe could be extended if needed. 'If they need time to be extended, then we will talk to the judge and see how much time needs to be extended. 'But this is a commission that everyone in the country would like to see quick answers coming from.'

Fort Hare corruption case split into five parts to speed up prosecution
Fort Hare corruption case split into five parts to speed up prosecution

The Citizen

time17 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Fort Hare corruption case split into five parts to speed up prosecution

The complex corruption case has been divided for more efficient trials across East London courts. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has split the R172 million University of Fort Hare case into five legs to streamline the prosecution of the 21 accused. The NPA announced on Friday it had separated the Fort Hare fraud, corruption and money laundering charges into five separate cases. The state said this complicated and multifaceted case would be prosecuted more quickly and simpler by dividing it into different legs with specialised prosecution tactics for each. Fort Hare case split to speed up prosecution The legs will be allocated to five different presiding regional court magistrates in the East London Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the legs had been separated after the finalisation of the charge sheets. ALSO READ: Hitmen linked to murder of Fort Hare VC's bodyguard arrested 'Each magistrate will arrange trial dates with the respective legal representatives,' Tyali said. There are 21 accused in the five legs, including UFH employees, service providers, and their business entities. Nine of the accused were Fort Hare employees who are alleged to have conspired with service providers and their businesses to award contracts in exchange for benefits. R172 million More than R172 million was paid by the university to the service providers, with the bulk allegedly finding its way into the pockets of the accused staff members. At the university, the conclusion of these tenders was allegedly linked to violent incidents, including murder. ALSO READ: Hawks arrest three in R2m fraud scandal at University of Fort Hare The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Eastern Cape, advocate Barry Madolo, has also withdrawn charges against Cape Town forensic lawyer Sarah Burger, who was initially charged with the 21 others. 'This decision was taken after lengthy engagements between the complainant (Fort Hare), the Eastern Cape prosecution team and Burger's legal representatives,' Tyali said. In April, three people were arrested in connection with the case. Three arrested in April The accused, former acting chief financial officer Simbongile Geqeza, 41, former head of investigation and vetting Isaac Plaatjies, 57, and family friend Claudine Davids, 44, were each granted bail of R10 000. According to the South African Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security cluster, the investigation uncovered two separate fraudulent schemes orchestrated by the accused. NOW READ: Three Fort Hare University murder suspects wanted as arrest warrants issued

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store