In a dramatic twist to the story regarding the “covering of NKR 1’s number plate”, Public Safety chief Mahendra Sewpersad confirmed that he instructed the municipal breakdown operator to cover the number plate. “We did not want people to know that NKR 1 had broken down.”

He strongly denied that the plastic was on the vehicle prior to the municipal breakdown vehicle arriving.

This response was received after the article was published online. Up until then, despite being asked, the Ladysmith Communications Department responsible for communications between the media and the municipality had not been able to comment.

The photo supplied to the Ladysmith Gazette was taken by a passing motorist who was shocked to see municipal officials blatantly breaking the law. “It appears to be a plastic shopping bag actually sellotaped to the number plate,” said the motorist, who asked not to be named.

What other reason would anyone have to cover NKR 1’s number plate? It was implied in the article that this was done to circumvent timing cameras. According to Mr Sewpersad, this was not the case.