Yet another justice official found himself on the wrong side of the law this week. This follows the court appearance of Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Silas Mashau Ramaite (53), in Louis Trichardt on Monday.

According to police information, Ramaite was arrested on Sunday near Levubu, following an accident. Ramaite was driving his luxury Jaguar when he allegedly crashed into a Nissan 1400 bakkie.

Provincial police spokesperson Lt Col Ronel Otto confirmed the incident and said that Ramaite had been charged with reckless and negligent driving and driving under the influence. He was taken to the Levubu police station where he was released on R1 000 bail and warned to appear before court the following day.

On Monday, Ramaite’s case was postponed until September 2 for further investigation. According to information provided, this was done to give enough time for the results of his blood tests to come back from the police’s laboratory. Both Ramaite and the other driver´s blood were drawn for testing shortly after the accident.

Ramaite, who has a house in Sibasa and was born in Louis Trichardt, was appointed as the Deputy National Director by the State President in 2003. As deputy director, he is responsible for specialised commercial crime, priority crimes litigation, sexual offences, community affairs and witness protection.

The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed the incident and court appearance by e-mail on Tuesday and said that they considered Ramaite “innocent until proven guilty and will allow the law to take its course.”