A police sergeant stationed at Pretoria Central Police Station is under investigation for her alleged under-par handling of a case involving an alleged public drinking offence.

The situation came to light through a video that went viral on X (Twitter) showing an exchange between the sergeant and a woman suspected of consuming alcohol inside her vehicle.

Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the video was promptly brought to the attention of the station’s management, led by the station commander of Pretoria Central, Brigadier Hlengani Mashaba.

She said immediate action was taken against the sergeant, who has been removed from the front service to administrative duties.

Muridili said an internal investigation revealed crucial details about the incident.

“It was revealed that the sergeant, while on crime prevention duties, encountered a woman who was found drinking alcohol in a vehicle, which constitutes an offence of public drinking.”

She said despite bringing the suspect to the police station in a police vehicle, the sergeant failed to register a case or adhere to proper detention protocols.

“The sergeant and the alleged suspect exchanged words in the Community Service Centre,” she said.

Muridili stated that the alleged suspect was eventually released without any charges being filed against her.

In light of this incident, SAPS has urged the public to report any dissatisfaction with the service received from police officers at the SAPS Service Complaints Centre.