Former Gauteng local government and housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi was late for a meeting when his car was involved in an accident in November 2011, the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court heard on Wednesday.
This emerged when his former driver Joseph Semitjie was cross-examined by State prosecutor Micky Thesna.
Mmemezi was supposed to have been at his meeting at 9am, but only left his house at 9.30am.
Semitjie told the court the accident – involving the MEC's car and Thomas Ferreira on his motorcycle – happened around 10am at the Paardekraal intersection on the R28 in Krugersdorp.
Earlier, the court heard Semitjie, who faces charges of reckless and negligent driving and failure to assist an injured person, did not pass an advanced driver's test.
"If you did not pass your advanced driving course who gave you the authority to drive a state vehicle," asked Thesna.
Semitjie said he was given authority to drive the vehicle by his superior, who had also tested his driving skills.
"I was not given any test to write during my training as a VIP driver but only tested out driving on the streets," said Semitjie.
Thesna put it to Semitjie that several SA Police Service members who served in the VIP protection unit had told the court that blue lights and sirens were only supposed to be used in life-threatening emergencies.
"I do not agree with their testimony because blue lights and sirens can also be used to alert other motorist that a vehicle transporting a high profile person is approaching," said Semitjie.
Beeld reported on Wednesday that Ferreira was on his motorcycle when Semitjie allegedly drove a BMW X5 left of the yellow line in Paardekraal Drive, disregarding a red traffic light.
Ferreira, who was on Windsor Road, collided with the car in the middle of the intersection.
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