The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape SAPS, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the arrest of a South African Police Service (SAPS) constable from the Mothibistad police station over the weekend. The on-duty constable faced charges after allegedly driving a state vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Arrest and charges for the SAPS constable
Mothibistad police arrested the constable while he was on duty, reportedly intoxicated behind the wheel of a state vehicle. Authorities charged him with drunken driving, negligent and reckless driving, and unauthorised use of a state vehicle. The constable appeared before the Mothibistad Magistrates Court and is currently out on bail.
Lt. Gen. Otola’s response
Lt. Gen. Otola expressed strong disapproval of the constable’s actions, emphasising that such behaviour contradicts the standards expected from police officers.
“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,” she stated. Otola assured the public that internal departmental processes are in motion, in line with SAPS 2016 disciplinary regulations.
“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,” she added.
Internal disciplinary measures
The incident has triggered a review under the SAPS 2016 disciplinary regulations, aiming to address the constable’s conduct. Lt. Gen. Otola reiterated the importance of accountability and integrity within the police force, stressing that officers must uphold the law and serve as role models for the community.
The SAPS disciplinary process will determine the constable’s fate within the department, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to maintain the credibility and trustworthiness of the police force.
How should police departments ensure that officers maintain the highest standards of behaviour and accountability?
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