Having been on the receiving end of intimidation from the Metro thugs, here is an article from First for Women that every woman should read : Ladies, know the law and your rights Sat, 01/05/2010 - 11:41 Despite the majority of South Africa’s hardworking Metro Police officers having your safety as their first priority, a number of concerning incidents of intimidation and violence perpetrated against women in particular, have been brought to the public’s attention. “Without being an alarmist, it makes good sense to take all precautions possible when out on the road,” says Robyn Farrell, managing director of 1st for Women Insurance Brokers. 1st for Women offers some tips to follow if stopped by Metro Police officers: Firstly, never drive if you are over the drinking limit - not only is it dangerous, but it is unlikely that your take on events will be believed if you are drunk. Stop if you are ordered to stop by the Metro Police. Be calm and avoid aggressive behaviour Notify a friend or family member that you have been stopped by a police officer and read them the registration numbers on the Metro Police car. These vehicles also have a number printed on the side of the car. Make sure that the Metro Police officer hears you giving their details to who ever you are talking to. Try recording the conversation you have with the Metro Police officer on your cellphone. Should you be detained for whatever reason, keep detailed notes on everything that takes place - all the procedures followed, times, places you were taken or detained, length of time you were detained and, where possible, the names of the officials “Motorists, and in particular women, should apply the same process if arrested in a road block for an outstanding traffic ticket,” says Farrell. It is important to bear in mind that electronic warrants are accepted by the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows for a telegraphic or similarly written or printed communication from a magistrate or peace officer stating that a warrant has been issued. Drivers should not resist - rather, pay the fine and sort out the legal matters at a later stage. Motorists do, however, have the right to ask for a copy of the warrant. If one is not provided, the arrest and subsequent detention is illegal, even if it turns out to be a valid warrant. If arrested, you must be taken to the place stipulated in the warrant or a SAPS station, not a Metro Police station, as soon as possible after the arrest. Motorists cannot be held in a traffic vehicle, bus, office or similar place of detention while traffic officials carry on with other duties. To meet the requirements of the constitution, the warrant also has to give adequate details of the reason for the arrest and stating when and where the offence occurred. A motorist has the right to legal representation, a fair trial and also not to be compelled to make an admission. “A final point to remember is that if you are subjected to any abuse of your human rights, you will have a claim against the authorities,” concludes Farrell. Michelle
