/ 5 January 2011

Free State govt official sentenced for speeding

Free State arts and culture minister Dan Kgothule was on Wednesday fined R20 000 or 12 months in prison for speeding by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, the National Prosecuting Authority said.

He was ordered to pay R15 000 of the fine immediately.

The remaining R5 000 or three months of the prison sentence were suspended for five years, spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said.

The sentence was suspended for five years and his driver’s licence was not revoked on condition that he did not repeat the same offence during the suspended time, spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said.

“We consider the sentence appropriate under the circumstances.”

Kgothule was caught travelling at 235km/h in the Glen, outside Bloemfontein, the highest speed recorded nationally over the festive season.

South African Broadcasting Corporation news reported premier Ace Magashule as saying he was happy that the law had taken its course.

Kgothule’s spokesperson William Bulwane said there was no need for further action against the minister.

“Now that he has apologised, accepted his mistakes, why should we punish him further?” Bulwane told the broadcaster.

“I don’t think its important that the MEC [provincial minister] should be removed from his position because of what he has done, taking into consideration the public apology he has done himself. I don’t think it’s wise.” – Sapa