Has Premier Nomvula Mokonyane reneged on her promises to Thomas Ferreira?
The family of Thomas Ferreira, the teenager knocked over in Krugersdorp by Gauteng Local Government and Housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi's blue light car, is facing a bleak and stressful Christmas.
After repeated promises from Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane to pay the medical bills, nothing has been forthcoming. No payment, no written undertaking to cover the costs and no peace of mind for the Ferreiras.
This family has borne the trauma of seeing a loved one in a protracted coma and suffering from brain damage, and now live with the secondary trauma caused by the insensitivity of the Premier and the lack of visible results from the investigation of the accident.
The costs of the rehabilitation centre to which Thomas has now been moved are around R 120 000 per month and although some of his medical costs have thus far been covered by his medical aid, there are a number of costs which have not and more which may not be in future.
I have today written to Provincial Police Commissioner, Mzwandile Petros to establish the current status of the investigation (see letter below).
It is unacceptable that such a tragic incident which was so clearly caused by the negligence of an MEC and his driver should take so long to be investigated.
The Ferreira family deserve some empathy and respect from Premier Mokonyane. Live up to your promises Madam Premier and pay the bills NOW!
Text of letter from Kate Lorimer to General Mzwandile Petros, SAPS Gauteng provincial commissioner, December 19 2011:
From: Kate Lorimer
Date: December 19, 2011 9:10:11 AM GMT+02:00
To: General Mzwandile Petros
Cc: Advocate Moleshe Prov Head CID
Subject: Thomas Ferreira incident
Dear Lt. General Petros
I would appreciate it if you could please give me an urgent update on the current status of the investigation into the motor vehicle accident in which Thomas Ferreira was knocked over and seriously injured by MEC Humphrey Mmemezi's official vehicle.
I am concerned that one of the witnesses was only approached last week for a statement. I am also concerned that 3 witnesses have reported to me that they are being pressured by the investigating officer to admit that the MEC was in the vehicle when they did not see him.
I am in constant contact with the family of Thomas Ferreira and they are feeling as if nothing is happening regarding the investigation into the incident. They are highly traumatised and the secondary traumatisation of a slow investigation is just adding to the pressure.
I look forward to your urgent response.
Kind regards
Kate Lorimer MPL
DA Spokesperson Safety & Security
Gauteng
Statement issued by Kate Lorimer MPL, DA Gauteng spokesperson on safety and security, December 19 2011
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