According to a Mogale City traffic official it’s nobody’s business if expensive traffic equipment, probably funded by tax payer’s money, is left unattended in a public area.
While driving down Albertina Sisulu Road, news journalist Jacobus Myburgh noticed the empty seat of a traffic cop’s camera set-up in Luipaardsvlei. The fact that there is no traffic official in sight made it worth investigating.
A car guard of a local parts dealership told the news that the official, known by her badge as S Mekgwe, has gone to use the bathroom.
“I cannot tell my stomach I am going to work now,” she explained defensively when she was asked why she had left the equipment for someone else to guard.
“I am starting my work now,” she said, when Myburgh approached her.
The news wanted to know why she left it there and if the camera was capturing passing motorists.
“That is none of your business; it is my business, not yours.”
Questions were posed as to who would get the blame should the equipment be stolen or damaged during her absence.
“Look, you are destructing my work now,” was her answer – as seen in the video clip.
She also said she is not scared of being photographed and made use of the opportunity to make herself more presentable.
“I have forgotten to put on my lipstick so I can put up a smile.”
Several traffic officials have told the news on condition of anonymity that it is illegal to leave equipment unattended.
The news contacted the head of Mogale City’s Traffic Department William Nchefu for comment, but none has been forthcoming.
