/ 3 February 1999

SMASHING START FOR HI-TECH PATROL

MPUMALANGA highway patrol has crashed and written off one of ten new hi-tech patrol vehicles — only 48 hours after receiving them. The patrol vehicles, which cost the province R1,2-million, are being punted as the most technologically advanced in the country with radar, computer tracking systems and surveillance cameras. The equipment however failed to prevent highway patrol officer Bethuel Mayibela from crashing into the back of a vehicle carrying two Truth and Reconciliation Commission officials on the N4 near Nelspruit on Monday. None of the province’s 3300 government vehicles are insured.