‘Drunk’ off-duty officer ploughs into Hindu devotees

Spokesperson for local security company KZN VIP Gareth Naidoo said a group of about 18 people who were carrying out their vows during the annual garagum prayer had been walking along the road, escorted by a police vehicle, Phoenix Sun reported.

An off-duty police officer, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, then reportedly plowed his car into the group during the weekend. Several of the devotees sustained serious injuries, including fractured bones and severe bruises.

“As we were arranging for backup ambulances to come in and assist to stabilise and transport the injured, the devotees pointed out the driver and car as he drove past again,” Naidoo said.

Security personnel then gave chase and managed to corner the off-duty officer before taking him to a police station.

Naidoo also claimed the officer was severely under the influence of alcohol. Police were not immediately available for comment.

This after a video showing a seemingly drunk KwaZulu-Natal police officer went viral on social media last week.

The video shows an exchange between a motorist and the allegedly drunk uniformed police officer, who is believed to have almost caused an accident. Phil Tomlinson, who posted the video on Facebook, said the officer tried to drive his son off the road before attempting to run him over.

An internal disciplinary investigation against the officer has subsequently been launched by KwaZulu-Natal police.

“Once he is located, he will have to explain his conduct to a disciplinary tribunal,” provincial spokesperson Colonel Jay Naicker added.

– Caxton News Service