In Western Cape alone nearly 800 police officers have abused the use of state vehicles – with disciplinary charges ranging from drunk driving to hit-and-run incidents- over the past three financial years.
The number of incidents were
revealed this week in a written response to a question from DA MPL Reagan Allen
to MEC for Community Safety Albert Fritz on how many police in the province
have transgressed the SAPS’ policy on the use of state vehicles.
A greater number of transgressions
relate to reckless and negligent driving, traffic violations, and unauthorised use of state vehicles this includes private use or overnight parking on private residence.
Earlier this year a video which went viral on
social media showing a policeman and a taxi driver fighting
after a collision in Khayelitsha. The officer is seen getting out of
the police vehicle, opening the taxi’s door and assaulting the driver.
Police stated the 33-year-old
constable stationed at the Site B police station was arrested for drunk- and
negligent driving and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on July
21.
In another incidents six weeks ago, 5-year-old
Lingomso Puni was injured during a hit-and-run involving a police van. The little
boy had been playing nearby his home on a pavement when the incident happened resulting
in him losing his front teeth and an injured leg. His mother stated they still await for justice.
Acting chairperson for the
Western Cape Community Policing Forum’s board, Fransina Lukas said it was
worrying that these incidents occurred in a province that was in need of
resources.
image:shutterstock
By Everngelista Muza
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