This time last week, we told you all about how the VIP protection unit had racked up massive speeding fines well in excess of R100 000. Public reaction wasn’t exactly favourable, and the waiver of the penalties was questioned by a lot of people. Government took the opportunity on Sunday to clarify the legal position.

Government stated last week that it relies on the Road Traffic Act, which allows VIP protection to break the speed limit, as they are engaged in civil protection. Eyewitness News, however, pointed out that the definition of what exactly “civil protection” entails rests in the Civil Protection Act, a piece of legislation that has been repealed and no longer exists.

Speaking yesterday, government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi stated that the Police Service Act now covered ministerial drivers, and had the following to say:

These are people that members of the South African Police Service (Saps) expressly excluded from observing speed limits.

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane last year went on the record to say that it should be acceptable for her convoy to speed if she is late to a meeting. This in spite of previous incidents, such as a Gauteng teenager being knocked down by a VIP convoy.

[Source: EWN]