More VIP blue light vehicles

A deployment of 12 rotational provincial traffic officers to escort the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba has sparked concern over unpaid overtime, budget transparency and whether the arrangement aligns with national VIP protection protocols.

- Koketšo Sekhwela

The DA claims that the premier's existing two-vehicle SAPS VIP protection unit has been supplemented by a rotating team of 12 traffic officers and two extra, creating operational strain on an already short-staffed traffic department. Officers reportedly travel long distances with the premier, return to Polokwane to continue regular traffic work, and later escort her again.

Documents obtained by the DA show that the arrangement was formally signed in 2024, yet at least one officer claims to have accumulated more than 100 hours of unpaid overtime while fulfilling escort duties, the party said in a statement.