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Gauteng Motorist Apprehended for Alleged Interference with Police Escorting VIP Dignitary to Airport
A 57-year-old Gauteng driver is in trouble after allegedly interfering with a police motorcade escorting a foreign VIP dignitary to Lanseria Airport. IOL reports that the incident on Sunday morning led to the man’s arrest on reckless and negligent driving charges. According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the driver was warned by traffic officials and SAPS members to stay away from the convoy. Ignoring the warnings, the driver attempted to enter the motorcade, prompting police to intervene and make an arrest.
“The man who is expected to appear before the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning was warned by traffic officials and SAPS members escorting the VIP to stay away from the convoy but he allegedly ignored warning signs,” said Mathe.
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The use of police VIP protection units has sparked ongoing debates across South Africa, especially on social media platforms. Last year, concerns were raised about misusing these convoys, characterised by high-speed black sport utility vehicles or powerful sedans, often causing fear among fellow drivers on the country’s busy highways. The convoys, seen by some as a status symbol for politicians, have prompted discussions about the need for thorough risk analyses and daily assessments to determine the appropriate security levels for VIPs.
“The protection of VIPs, the protection of the president and the vice president is extremely important. It remains the responsibility of the police, but that should be determined based on threat levels on a risk analysis,” said Willem Els from the Institute for Security Studies.
The debate gained prominence when a video surfaced showing members of the SAPS attached to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s VIP protection detail brutally assaulting occupants of a vehicle on the N1 in Johannesburg. Mashatile acknowledged the incident and called it “unfortunate.”
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Picture: X / SAPoliceService
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