Northern Cape Constable Arrested for DUI and Misuse of State Vehicle

An unfortunate event unfolded in the Northern Cape over the weekend, leaving the South African Police Service (SAPS) grappling with misconduct within its own ranks. A constable, whose duties typically involve upholding the law, was apprehended by fellow Mothibistad police officers for allegedly driving a state vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

The arrest occurred amid the officer's shift, compounding the severity of the misconduct. Following the arrest, the unnamed constable was promptly brought before the Mothibistad Magistrates Court. There, he faced grave accusations, including drunken driving, which alone carries serious repercussions, as well as negligent and reckless driving. Further complicating matters, he was charged with utilizing a state vehicle without obtaining permission from his superiors — a clear violation of the trust and authority bestowed upon him.

The Provincial Commissioner of Northern Cape SAPS, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed strong disapproval of the constable's behavior. Acknowledging the constable's alleged actions, Lt Gen Otola highlighted that SAPS members are expected to exemplify model conduct, and the constable's behavior was unbefitting of his role and the SAPS's values. In her statement, Lt Gen Otola emphasized the commitment of the Northern Cape SAPS to maintaining discipline and integrity within their ranks, assuring the public that robust internal departmental processes would take place in accordance with SAPS 2016 disciplinary regulations.

The internal processes mentioned by Lt Gen Otola are designed to address misconduct and ensure accountability among police officers. These procedures are an essential component in the SAPS's toolkit for maintaining public trust and ensuring the ethical behavior of its personnel.

As a response to this incident, Lt Gen Otola reaffirmed that such behaviors could not and would not be tolerated within the SAPS. The emphasis was placed on the necessity for police officers to lead by example and the commitment of the department to enforce its disciplinary code meticulously.

While the constable has been released on bail, his journey through the justice system and internal police regulations has just begun. The outcomes of these proceedings are awaited to see how the SAPS confronts and handles deviations from its expected standards.