Johannesburg – Former Gauteng MEC Humphrey Mmemezi’s driver Joseph Motsamai Semitjie did not pass an advanced driver’s test, the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court heard on Wednesday.

This emerged as Semitjie, who is facing charges of reckless and negligent driving and failure to assist an injured person, was being cross-examined by prosecutor Micky Thesna.

“If you did not pass your advanced driving course who gave you the authority to drive a state vehicle,” asked Thesna.

Semitjie told the court he was given authority to drive the vehicle by his superior, who had also tested his driving skills.

“I was not given any test to write during my training as a VIP driver but only tested out driving on the streets,” said Semitjie.

Thesna put it to Semitjie that several SAPS members who served in the VIP protection unit had told the court that blue lights and sirens were only supposed to be used in life-threatening emergencies.

“I do not agree with their testimony because blue lights and sirens can also be used to alert other motorist that a vehicle transporting a high profile person is approaching,” said Semitjie.

He told the court they had left the former local government and housing MEC’s house around 09:30 and the MEC was supposed to be at his meeting at 09:00 on the day of the accident in 2011.

The accident happened at around 10:00 at the Paardekraal intersection on the R28 in Krugersdorp.

Beeld reported on Wednesday that Thomas Ferreira was on his motorcycle when Semitjie allegedly drove a BMW X5 left of the yellow line in Paardekraal Drive, disregarding a red traffic light.

Ferreira, who was on Windsor Road, collided with the car in the middle of the intersection.

– SAPA