POTCHEFSTROOM – South African Police Service (SAPS) management is appalled by the unprofessional and unbecoming conduct of a Constable stationed at Wolmaransstad in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District.
This is after a video that was captured by members of the community in Wolmaransstad on Saturday, 28 November 2020, went viral on social media platforms particularly WhatsApp. In the video, a drunk Constable in full uniform is seen struggling to stand steady on his feet to inspect the state motor vehicle and check what appears to be a scratch. The damage was apparently caused by the collision of the state vehicle with a fence at Extension 10, Tswelelang Location in Wolmaransstad. The Constable was a driver at the time of the incident.
Subsequent to the incident, a case of driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless and/or negligent driving was opened for investigation while the Constable was detained. Preliminary investigation revealed that the Constable is not authorised to drive a state motor vehicle. As a result, he will also face an additional charge of the use of the motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. The departmental investigation will also be instituted against the member in terms of SAPS Discipline Regulations.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena expressed his disapproval of the member’s conduct. He said that all SAPS members are obliged at all times to conduct themselves in a professional manner and adhere to the code of conduct including using available resources responsibly and to take into account the needs of the community
Meanwhile, the Constable who was released today on R500.00 bail is expected to appear in the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 30 November 2020, facing charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless and/or negligent driving, and use of a motor vehicle without owner’s consent.