The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has issued a stern warning that the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) will take firm action against anyone who disregards road laws, following a series of arrests this week.
Two bodyguards assigned to the deputy mayor of the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality were taken into custody for allegedly using blue lights illegally while travelling without the deputy mayor, who was attending a council meeting at the time.
“They were travelling alone without the deputy mayor,” said KZN Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya. “The two bodyguards are facing charges of reckless driving, illegal use of blue lights, impersonating a police officer, and carrying a firearm without a licence.”
The blue lights were confiscated as evidence and the official BMW X5 they were driving was impounded. The municipality has since launched an internal investigation into the pair’s conduct.
Sibiya also confirmed that three other motorists were arrested for excessive speeding and reckless driving. Those arrested include a medical doctor caught driving a Ford Ranger Raptor at 181km/h, an attorney driving a VW Golf at 175km/h, and a Checkers regional manager speeding at 170km/h in a Toyota Corolla Cross.
Officials say the crackdown forms part of efforts to curb dangerous driving and ensure safer roads across the province.