Latest news with #NationalRoadTrafficRegulations
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
NPA seizes R600,000 Fortuner used in blue-light crime near Vryburg
The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority in the North West Division has obtained a preservation order from the North West High Court Image: Pexels The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West Division has secured a preservation order from the North West High Court regarding a silver Toyota Fortuner valued at approximately R600,000. This order pertains to the vehicle, which was deemed an instrumentality in the commission of an offence as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), 121 of 1998. The case stems from an incident on April 27, 2025, when law enforcement officials apprehended a suspect along the N18 near Vryburg for unlawfully employing blue identification lights on the vehicle. These lights are reserved exclusively for authorised emergency and law enforcement personnel, and their improper use is strictly prohibited under Regulations 176 and 185 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000. According to South African law, the use of blue lights is limited to specific individuals, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipal police officers, provincial and municipal traffic officers, and the Military Police of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The apprehended suspect was not only charged with road traffic violations but also found to be in contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. He was subsequently convicted for being in South Africa without valid documentation and has been deported as part of immigration enforcement measures. The NPA has hailed the court's decision as a resounding endorsement of legal principles and a decisive move to combat the misuse of state-like authority by individuals impersonating law enforcement personnel. In their view, this ruling is a clarion reminder that actions which jeopardise public safety and erode trust in legitimate law enforcement will be met with serious repercussions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, expressed commendation for the AFU, recognising their swift action in securing this preservation order. 'This outcome reaffirms our commitment to tackling the growing issue of so-called 'blue light bullies' who intimidate innocent road users and undermine public safety," she stated. "These individuals often act with impunity, posing a serious threat not only to the physical safety of citizens but also to the credibility of law enforcement agencies.' Dr Makhari further emphasised that the NPA, through its Asset Forfeiture Unit, will relentlessly pursue decisive actions against this form of organised criminality. This includes seizing vehicles unlawfully utilised in criminal activities and seeking suitable legal remedies. 'We remain steadfast in our duty to uphold the law and protect our communities from those who seek to exploit authority for criminal gain,' she added. IOL
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
NPA secures preservation order in unlawful blue lights case
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
