Two police officers in KwaZulu-Natal have been suspended from their duties after a video showing them using a state vehicle to escort a pupil to a matric dance went viral on social media. The incident, which took place in Estcourt, has drawn widespread criticism from the public and raised concerns about the misuse of state resources by law enforcement officials.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi confirmed that the officers have been removed from operational duties while an internal investigation is underway. The footage, which spread rapidly across various platforms, shows the officers transporting the child of a colleague to the event while they were on duty.
Misuse of State Resources
Mkhwanazi condemned the officers’ actions, stressing that their decision to prioritise personal errands over their professional responsibilities amounted to a dereliction of duty. Instead of patrolling communities, attending to complaints, and ensuring public safety, the officers diverted both their time and state resources toward private use.
“I have instructed the District Commissioner of UThukela to ensure that the immediate commander of the officers involved must take urgent disciplinary steps against them,” Mkhwanazi said. “We cannot afford to have police officers who report for duty but use state resources for their personal gain.”
He further directed financial and supply chain management officials to assess the cost of the unauthorised activity. According to him, any expenses incurred, including petrol, working hours, and vehicle maintenance, should be recovered directly from the implicated officers.
Public Trust at Stake
The commissioner highlighted that incidents like these damage the already fragile relationship between the police and the public. Communities across the province often complain about the unavailability of police vehicles when they report crimes, only to later discover instances where resources are used for personal errands.
“Communities always complain that when they call police stations they are told that there are no vans, whilst police officers are gallivanting with state resources that are meant to serve the communities,” Mkhwanazi noted.
He reminded officers of their duty to maintain professionalism and uphold the integrity of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Possible Disciplinary and Criminal Charges
Mkhwanazi warned that the officers’ conduct will not be taken lightly. In addition to disciplinary action, they could face criminal charges that might result in dismissal from the service.
“The limited state resources should only be used for authorised official duties. Anyone who is found to be misusing vehicles, stationery or any state property will be met with the wrath of internal police disciplinary processes and a criminal charge which might even lead to dismissal,” he said.
A Reminder for Accountability
The suspension of the two officers serves as a stern reminder that misuse of state property will not be tolerated, particularly in a sector already battling to restore public trust. As the internal investigation proceeds, South Africans are closely watching the outcome, hoping it reinforces accountability within the SAPS and deters similar misconduct in the future.
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