JOHAN VAN DER WESTHUIZEN writes:
On May 5, my family and I came back from a function we attended and were driving along Pretoria Road towards Kempton Park. As we were passing Maritz & Sons at 1.20pm, I mentioned that I was not really a big fan of this stretch of road due to people overtaking indiscriminately.
My words were barely cold as the next moment a metro police vehicle (registration PLN 767 GP) started overtaking me. The vehicle had a driver and two other occupants, what seemed like a woman in the front and a man in the back.
I don’t have so much a problem with the officer overtaking me – he was very much in his rights and the road allowed for overtaking at this point, but oncoming traffic forced me to slam on brakes in order to allow the officer back into this lane in order to avoid an accident with traffic closing in from the front.
This vehicle was clearly not on its way to a crisis or emergency as there was no flashing lights or blaring sirens, yet this selfish driver deemed it important to put the lives of innocent people at risk in order to be ahead of everyone else.
Approaching the intersection at Vlei Street, there was a vehicle stopping at the red light, so the officer nonchalantly ventured into the turning only lane, but proceeded to go straight as soon as the light turned green.
Once again, no rush as he had no lights or sirens on and was in deep conversation with the other people in the vehicle. It was mere formality to let his authority be known to other users of the road.
I know how this is going to play out, I complain and get some dismissive response about an investigation or call that come through, but I am trying anyway.
I am completely upset about the disregard this officer has for other road users. I think it is an insult to the integrity of law abiding citizens to have a lawless person placed in a position enforcing the law.
Issues of bribery, corruption, parking in disabled bays, traffic offences and the like have been raised and even proved countless times without any change or worthwhile comment. I sincerely hope that somewhere some integrity will prevail since the current lawlessness is choking each and every civilian.
Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, metro police spokesman, replies:
The metro police appreciate the assistance from the members of public who report wrongdoings committed by metro police officers.
What the complainant must understand though, is that, a matter reported does not give management to summarily mete out punishment to the officer purported to have committed a wrongdoing without investigating the matter.
Firstly, the EMPD Integrity and Standards Unit interviews the “culprit” and also obtain a statement from him/her. Furthermore, the complainant is contacted to give a statement and based on the information/evidence received, a disciplinary process is initiated.
The complainant is expected to go all the way in order for the case to stick. In the event the complainant withdraws before all the necessary information is obtained, that jeopardises the case against the officer.
Although we appreciate help from members of the public, it must not be perceived that the officer reported is in the wrong even before the necessary information and evidence are obtained and the imperative processes take place. This selective amnesia is perplexing as when they are or their families are faced with the same situation, they go to court and obtain the services of lawyers to defend themselves – the same is applicable when disciplinary issues are tackled in our organisation.
Are they conveniently forgetting that “the accused is innocent until proven guilty?
When we say the matter will be investigated it does not mean we are being dismissive. I hope and trust that the explanation made is not beyond any normal person’s head.
