Judges to finally ride top of the range Beemers

Chakalisa Dube | Monday November 12, 2018 15:50

 

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Shaw Kgathi said this when officially opening the 2018 Judiciary stakeholders’ conference here today. At the moment judges use Volvo S60 sedans. 

 “I am happy to indicate that the long-term problem that you have been experiencing in relation to your transport will soon be resolved. You will soon get BMWs befitting your status as judges,” Kgathi said. 

The minister added that the Administration of Justice is about to begin the process to acquire the cars for the judges. “The purchase of your cars will be given the priority it deserves,” Kgathi said.

The matter surrounding the purchase of vehicle caused an uproar late last year. Judges preferred top of the range BMW 5 Series while the government wanted to settle for Volvo S60 sedans.

The judges reportedly felt that they were being discriminated against in favour of Court of Appeal (CoA) Judges who were given the BMWs.

At the time the government said that a cabinet directive was clear on the type of vehicles to be procured for the Judges of the High Court, which was Volvo S60 cars and not BMW 5 Series.

Last year Mmegi reported that the 26 BMWs, which were to be procured from Capital BMW were to cost nearly P20 million collectively, or around P750, 000 each had the government acceded to a request of the judges. 

The Volvo S60 from Barloworld reportedly fetches P490, 000. Judges even threatened to sue the government if they were not granted their wish to purchase the BMW vehicles.

Government pleaded with Judges not go to court and promised that the matter will be resolved timely. Kgathi said that decision to purchase the BMWs is a presidential directive.