The management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has instituted a departmental investigation into the conduct of a police constable, following an incident captured in a video clip that is circulating on social media.
National SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, said according to preliminary reports, the member - who is attached to the police’s Rapid Railway Unit (RRU) - reported for duty on Saturday morning, 1 October 2022, under the influence of liquor.
The hearing, Mathe said, would be in line with the SAPS 2016 Disciplinary Regulations. She said the commander immediately booked the constable off duty, based on his condition.
“The member was also immediately disarmed and sent back home.
“It was later discovered that the constable proceeded on his own accord to Orlando Stadium in Soweto, and gained access to the stadium, after which he can be seen in a video clip, dancing on the soccer pitch,” Mathe said.
She said the status and dignity of the SAPS badge and uniform must at all times be safeguarded and protected with pride, especially by police officers.
“Therefore, the management of SAPS views the unbecoming behaviour of the said member in a very serious light. SAPS will not hesitate to act against its own when found to be on the wrong side of the law,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
