7 January 2009
On Saturday, 3 January 2009, an incident occurred on the N12 highway
involving the Presidential Protection Unit's motorcade transporting the
President and a red Golf civilian motor vehicle.
Members of the news media were alerted to the incident and immediately began
making enquiries. In the spirit of transparency a media liaison officer
attached to this office began gathering information which was given from the
scene, up the chain of command in the Division Protection and Security Services
to the media liaison officer.
Subsequently, on perusal of affidavits and a factual report, it would appear
that, although the gist of the account was accurate, certain of the details
given out within the first hours following the incident were not factually
correct. This office would like to assure the media and the community that this
was not deliberate and every endeavour will be made to ensure that there is
never a recurrence.
The entire matter is being investigated, both with a view to instituting
criminal charges against the driver of the red Golf and to verify whether the
police officials involved acted within their mandate as custodians of the
safety of the President of this country and within the ambits of the law.
Parallel investigations are being conducted within the SAPS and by the
Independent Complaints Directorate, to which we are giving our wholehearted
co-operation.
The safety of the President of this country is an onerous responsibility,
one which is taken very seriously by his protectors and they are obliged to
take every reasonable step to protect him and are even expected to sacrifice
their own lives while doing so.
An earnest appeal is made to the public to give way to police vehicles with
blue lights flashing. Responses to urgent situations are often retarded by
vehicles refusing to give way to an emergency vehicle.
It is requested that all interested parties keep an open mind on this
matter, do not make assumptions or compare this incident with other specific
incidents - the circumstances of which differ substantially - and let justice
take its course.
Enquiries:
Director Sally de Beer
Office of the National Commissioner
Tel: 012 3931574
Fax: 012 3932165
Cell: 082 779 8658
E-mail debeers@saps.org.za
Issued by: South African Police Service
7 January 2009
