MYSTERY DEEPENS ON MMEMEZI'S BLUE LIGHT ACCIDENT
An investigation by the Democratic Alliance deepens the mystery about the recent tragic accident in which Gauteng Local Government MEC Humphrey Mmemezi's motor vehicle ploughed into matric student Thomas Ferreira on his motorbike, leaving Thomas in a coma.
Witnesses who saw the accident and who remained on the scene are absolutely adamant that MEC Humphrey Mmemezi was not in the car. They are certain that only the driver was on the scene and he was not concerned about Thomas' welfare at all.
This raises a number of questions:
If Mmemezi was not in the car:
- Why was the driver breaking the speed limit and using his blue lights? Where was he going and on whose instruction?
- Why has he admitted to being in the car? Who is being protected? Is it the driver and if so, why? Is the driver an SAPS member as required by law?
Conversely, if Mmemezi was in the car:
- Why did he not get out and show concern for the boy his vehicle had hit?
- How could numerous witnesses not be aware of him? Was he hiding on the back seat?
- How was he spirited away from the scene of the accident without anyone seeing him?
- What meeting was he going to which supposedly necessitated speeding and a breach of traffic safety?
The enormously aggressive stance taken by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane in responding to any questions on the circumstances in which blue lights may be used and the allegation that MEC Mmemezi was rushing to an ANC political party training session (quite clearly not government business and quite clearly not an emergency) is completely inappropriate.
It is the fervent wish of the Ferreira family that no-one else has to go through the pain and hurt their family has had to endure.
If the MEC and the Premier truly want to show empathy to the family and understanding of the situation, they would be far more forthcoming about what truly happened and why the car was being used in such a negligent and irresponsible manner. They would also be sincere in their efforts to ensure that blue light convoys are banned in Gauteng.
Statement issued by Kate Lorimer MPL, DA Gauteng Safety & Security Spokesperson, November 24 2011
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
