Private security vehicles with blue lights are illegal

Private security vehicles with blue lights are illegal, Madlanga Commission hears

Mapaballo Borotho

An EMPD deputy chief has told the Madlanga Commission that it is unlawful for private security vehicles to use blue lights.
Revo Spies revealed that alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala had vehicles illegally fitted with blue lights through Ekurhuleni officials.
The Commission also viewed videos showing Matlala’s wife being escorted in blue-light convoys.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard on Friday that it is unlawful for private security vehicles to be fitted with blue lights.

This was according to the retired Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Revo Spies, who testified that the Police Act does not permit such use by private individuals or companies.

Spies was testifying about the registration of private vehicles allegedly linked to the controversial underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Earlier this year, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told the Commission that Matlala once owned vehicles equipped with blue lights supplied by law enforcement officials from the City of Ekurhuleni.

On the second day of his testimony, Mkhwanazi alleged that tender kingpins like Matlala received protection from certain state officials.

Spies further told the Commission that Matlala’s vehicles were registered through a fleet corporate proxy, managed by Chris Steyn under instructions from Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.

He emphasised that no law enforcement agency or private entity is legally permitted to install blue lights unless authorised.

The Commission has also seen social media videos showing Cordelia Kabeng, believed to be Matlala’s wife, being driven in blue-light convoys.

Proceedings have been adjourned until Monday.