LOUIS TRICHARDT – "The law is the law." These were the words of the Makhado Municipality's Municipal Manager, Mr Reuben Rambado who earlier this week had to pay a R300 traffic fine after his thirteen-year-old son was caught driving his vehicle on Friday (7th).

Both Mr Rambado, who was away on business, and his wife were not home at the time of the incident. His son was caught driving without a licence in Leeu Street.

Mr Rambado on Tuesday said that he was very upset to hear of his son's action on his return on Sunday.

"I had a serious talk with my son and made it very clear that this should not happen again. On Monday I took the ticket and paid it. No one is above the law and I hope my son learned his lesson."

Mr Rambado added that the problem of children driving around in their parents' vehicles is not uncommon. He said that he hopes the incident will serve as a warning to all parents to make sure their children do not disobey the law by driving around without a licence.

"It could happen to anybody," Mr Rambado said.

Mr Rambado this week also reacted to numerous media reports regarding the matter, some of which are creating a very negative perception.

"It would seem that there are certain elements within our community who are trying to turn the incident into a political issue. Through their actions it is clear that this is no longer an issue concerning the child, but a personal attack on me. Whoever is firing this attack, is acting irresponsibly and is ill-informed."