The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued a stern warning to the public against the unauthorised and illegal use of SAPS property which include uniforms, equipment and emblems.
This comes after a video went viral, in which a man can be seen in a marked police vehicle wearing an SAPS cap.
WATCH: An illegal Zimbabwean foreigners posing a Police Officer in @SAPoliceService van, wearing police cap. pic.twitter.com/elZLalaWII
— PSAFLIVE (@PSAFLIVE) January 3, 2023
SAPS spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said the man, believed to be Zimbabwean, has committed at least three offences, in terms of the SAPS Act.
‘’This unauthorised use of SAPS property and uniform is in
direct contravention of the SAPS Act. The man has thus created a false
impression that he is lawfully associated with the police service by being in a
marked police vehicle and wearing of the badge and emblem of the SAPS which is
protected by law,’’ said Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
‘’The SAPS thus takes this opportunity to educate members
of the public that the wearing of uniform or distinctive marks of the SAPS by a
person who is not a member or who does not have permission to do so from the
National Commissioner is an offence,’’ she added.
Mathe warned the public against wearing SAPS regalia,
saying anyone caught in the act, will have a criminal record.
Meanwhile, police are investigating this matter.
ActionSA leader, Herman Mashaba, said this incident shines
a bad light on the country.
‘’Our country, South Africa, has certainly been turned into
a Banana Republic. Total disdain and disrespect for the foundation of the
application of the Rule of Law.’’
PICTURE - SAPS Logo
Done by: Mitchum George
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