Two Men Granted Bail After Allegedly Fitting Illegal Blue Lights to Private Vehicle
Two men have appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court and were granted bail after allegedly being involved in the illegal fitting of blue emergency lights to a private vehicle, sparking fresh concerns around the misuse of equipment reserved for law enforcement and authorised emergency services.
The accused, Afzal Abramjee, 40, from Centurion, and Manuel Sarafim Pinto, 49, a Mozambican national residing in Robertsham, Johannesburg, face charges of operating a motor vehicle fitted with, or displaying, lamps emitting blue lights in contravention of South African traffic laws.
The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court granted both men bail of R10 000 each after the State confirmed that it would not oppose their release, provided strict conditions were imposed while investigations continue.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Tshegofatso Makhudu, the matter began on 4 June 2026 during a police roadblock operation in Wierdabrug, where officers stopped a vehicle being driven by Abramjee’s wife.
During the inspection, police allegedly discovered that the vehicle had been fitted with blue lights. The driver informed officers that the vehicle belonged to her husband, prompting police to contact Abramjee and request his presence at the scene.
“Upon his arrival, both he and his wife were taken to the Wierdabrug Police Station for further questioning,” Makhudu said.
The vehicle was seized by police, while the pair were later released as investigators continued gathering information.
Following the completion of the police investigation, Abramjee and Pinto were arrested at their respective homes on 3 and 4 July 2026.
Court Imposes Strict Bail Conditions
During their court appearance, the prosecution did not oppose bail, as neither accused was considered a flight risk. However, the State requested strict conditions to protect the investigation and prevent possible interference with witnesses.
“The court found that it was in the interests of justice to release both accused on bail of R10 000 each, subject to strict conditions,” Makhudu said.
The conditions include that both men must report once a week to their nearest police stations between 17:00 and 20:00. They must also surrender their passports to the investigating officer within 24 hours and are prohibited from contacting any witnesses involved in the case, either directly or indirectly.
The matter has been postponed until 5 August 2026 for further investigation.
Investigation Into Alleged Misuse of Blue Lights Continues
The use of blue lights on private vehicles is restricted under South African law, with such equipment generally reserved for authorised emergency and law enforcement vehicles.
Authorities have repeatedly warned motorists against illegally displaying emergency lights, as these devices can create confusion on roads and may be used to imitate official vehicles.
The investigation into the alleged unlawful fitting of blue lights remains ongoing, and the two accused will return to court as police continue examining the circumstances surrounding the vehicle and the equipment discovered during the roadblock.
