Vet: Bad road, no licence

2003-03-11 23:23

Linda de Nysschen

Nelspruit - A Machadodorp veterinary surgeon, who has refused to pay his car licence for years because of the bad condition of roads, appeared in Belfast magistrate's court after his arrest on Monday.

Dr Johan van Niekerk, 67, reportedly last renewed his bakkie and car licences in 1995. Meanwhile, he appears to have been issued with warrants totalling more than R10 000 which he has ignored, said provincial traffic chief Simphiwe Kunene.

Van Niekerk denied ignoring the warrants.

He claims cases against him were repeatedly thrown out. The traffic department apparently knows why he refuses to renew his licences.

"They are interested only in collecting money, but neglect road safety. They have never tested my car for road-worthiness and they know it's not licensed," the vet said.

The veterinary surgeon and farmer said the provincial government had handed over only 13.38% of licence money to the roads department. Of the 16 000km roads in the province, only 369km received attention.

"Now my peaceful protest has been turned into a big thing. I was arrested to frighten other people."

He says traffic department officers were waiting for him when he drove past their office. He was pulled off the road as it was an offence to drive on a public road in an unlicensed car.

"But, then they allowed me to drive that same unlicensed car to the police station."

Van Niekerk was granted bail of R200 on Monday. He is expected to appear again in court on April 14.

- Beeld