Former EMPD deputy commissioner says its risky to allow private security to operate with blue lights

Retired Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy commissioner, Revo Spies said that a major risk to the safety of law enforcement is to allow private security to operate using blue lights.

Spies testified before the Madlanga Commission on Friday in relation to a dodgy and unlawful 2021 deal struck between EMPD and criminally accused tender tycoon Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala. 

The agreement was made between Matlala and current acting EMPD chief, Julius Mkhwanazi.

 The deal would subsequently see Matlala fitting several of his private security vehicles with blue lights - allowing him to operate with impunity across Gauteng.

In exchange Matlala “donated” four vehicles to the city of Ekurhuleni.

An Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) probe into the matter found that the deal was unlawful and that disciplinary action be taken against Mkhwanazi, something the City of Ekhurhuleni has failed to do.

Spies said that the law does not allow for private security to use blue lights and in fact they have to use white lights.

"It is known across the world that blue lights in law enforcement, red lights is ambulance and paramedics, amber is for construction work and therefore the misuse of blue light has become a real problem in our country and it opens the public to proper crime being committed against them."