Eastern Cape - The Eastern Cape government has revealed that taxpayers would have to pay the R171 000 bill for finance MEC Phumulo Masualle's damaged car, according to a report on Tuesday.
The Dispatch Online reported provincial transport department spokesman Ncedo Kumbaca as saying Masualle was not supposed to drive the state-owned car as only VIP protection unit members could drive them.
“Departments procure these vehicles and permanently fit them with blue lamps and because of the fittings of the accessories, (MECs) are not allowed to drive for any reasonable purpose,” Kumbaca told the Dispatch Online.
“(The vehicles should only) be driven by VIP protection unit members, all the time.”
The provincial treasury department would decide who would pay for the insurance or damage, he said.
Masualle was involved in an accident last Thursday with his state-owned silver Mercedes-Benz ML.
At the time of the accident, Masualle's chief of staff, Fezeka Nkomonye, said the MEC was rushing to a meeting.
According to the Dispatch Online, Masualle was late for a meeting with the premier and his protection unit was also late so he decided to drive himself.
The car was sent in for repairs on Friday. - Sapa