KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has strongly condemned the actions of a police officer who was seen in a viral video driving a marked South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicle without a door. The footage, which sparked public outrage, was filmed on Sunday, 1 June, in the Durban North area after the police car was involved in a collision with a minibus taxi.
Accident Leads to Emergency Response
According to SAPS, the vehicle’s door had been removed following the accident to free a female Warrant Officer who was trapped inside. While the removal of the door was necessary for the rescue operation, the controversy began when another officer decided to drive the damaged vehicle—still missing its door—back to the police station.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KZN police, confirmed that although the vehicle was technically operable, protocol required it to be towed due to its compromised condition. “Instead of adhering to the proper procedures, another Warrant Officer took it upon himself to drive the vehicle, thereby risking his safety and tarnishing the reputation of the police service,” said Netshiunda.
Commissioner Orders Disciplinary Measures
Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi expressed deep disappointment over the incident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust and upholding professional standards within the SAPS. He has since instructed that disciplinary action be initiated against the officer responsible for disregarding procedure.
“The image and credibility of the SAPS cannot be compromised by reckless actions,” Mkhwanazi stated, reaffirming the commitment of the provincial leadership to ensuring accountability within the ranks.
The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, has drawn criticism and ridicule from the public, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of internal regulations within the police force.
Lesson Learned: No Room for Recklessness in SAPS
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for strict adherence to operational protocols within the SAPS to ensure officer safety and maintain public confidence. With disciplinary actions underway, KwaZulu-Natal police leadership aims to send a clear message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated, reinforcing the commitment to professionalism and accountability in the service.
Moving forward, this case highlights the importance of ongoing training and supervision to prevent similar breaches. It also underscores the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture where rules are respected and public trust is preserved, ensuring the police force operates with integrity at all times.
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