In what is known as the Joburg highway assault, we, the South African public witnessed a shocking scene of road rage and abuse by SANDF officers, who are part of the security team protecting Deputy President Paul Mashatile. They forced an innocent motorist off the N1, dragging him and his passengers out of their car and beat them unconscious.

All of this was brazenly done in full view of the public - perhaps to send a stern warning that the roads belong to the blue light brigade. They have always, and will continue, to behave as though they are above the law. As the law currently stands the circumstances under which these blue light brigades may disregard the road rules are not defined, which is why they have been given carte blanche to behave as they do.

Had this violent incident not been captured on video by a passer-by, and caused national outrage as a result, those officers would never have been subjected to disciplinary action, because these protection units seem to be protected by the very politicians that they are meant protect. As a victim of assault and abuse of power by private security, trust me I know what not having it on video means.

We cannot allow our law enforcement agencies to continue to make a mockery of our justice system, and continue committing human rights abuses without consequences! So please join me in demanding that:

• a ban be placed on the general use of blue lights by the Presidential Protection Unit and VIP Protection Services until the law is changed to define what entails an emergency for these units.

Let politicians learn to be on time for meetings, like the rest of us, without compromising the safety and violating the human rights of other motorists on our national roads!