Two men arrested for the illegal fitting and possession of blue lights on a private motor vehicle, are set to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
In June, police officers conducting a roadblock stopped a vehicle fitted with blue lights in the Wierdabrug area of Centurion in Pretoria. During questioning, the female driver informed police that the vehicle belonged to her husband.
Further investigation led to the arrest of the 40-year-old owner of the vehicle on Friday. Police also arrested a 49-year-old Mozambican national on Saturday. The Mozambican national allegedly fitted the blue lights to the vehicle.
“The suspects are expected to face charges relating to the contravention of Regulations 176 and 185 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, which prohibit the unauthorised fitment and use of blue lights on private vehicles,” the South African Police Service said in a statement ahead of Monday's court appearance.
“SAPS issues a stern warning to members of the public that fitting or using blue lights without lawful authority is a criminal offence. These regulations are in place to protect the public and to preserve the integrity of law enforcement vehicles.
“The illegal use of blue lights has become a serious concern, as criminal syndicates commonly known as the ‘blue light gang’ have used them to impersonate law enforcement officers and rob, hijack and terrorise unsuspecting motorists,” the police said.
The police warned that anyone found manufacturing, selling, fitting or using unauthorised blue lights will face the full might of the law.
“SAPS will continue to intensify operations to remove illegal blue lights from South Africa's roads and ensure that offenders are brought to justice,” the police said.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious vehicles displaying blue lights to the SAPS immediately by calling the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS app. – SAnews.gov.za
