A police constable attached to the Mothibistad police station in the Northern Cape made his first appearance at the Mothibistad Magistrates Court following his arrest over the weekend for allegedly driving a state vehicle under the influence of alcohol. 

DRINKING ON THE JOB

 A video circulating on social media yesterday showed a police constable having difficulty standing on his own, while his colleague attempted to help him up. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the constable was arrested while on duty. "The member appeared before the Mothibistad Magistrates Court on a charge of drunken driving, negligent and reckless driving, and for utilising a state vehicle without the owner’s consent," said Gamieldien. Gamieldien said the constable is currently out on bail. 

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LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Northern Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Kolisa Otola has condemned the incident and said internal departmental processes are underway in line with SAPS 2016 disciplinary regulations. "Police officers are meant to lead by example. We do not expect the behaviour that has been depicted on a video from any of our members. We will ensure a thorough internal process is conducted into the behaviour of this police officer. We do not condone and will not allow such behaviour in our ranks", said Lt Gen Otola.

In May, a visibly intoxicated police officer attached to the Etwatwa police station in Ekurhuleni was arrested after he was filmed behind the wheel in a police van. At the time, police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said that the police constable was not authorised to drive the vehicle. "Immediate action was taken, and the member has been charged criminally with offences that include driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent, as well as reckless and negligent driving,” said Masondo. He said that the member will face internal disciplinary action.