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WATCH: ‘Drunk’ police officer allegedly drives into biker
The officer, who appeared inebriated, allegedly tried to flee the scene.
Image: Twitter screengrab/@@Life_After_18
The South African Police Services (Saps) has come under fire after a video is doing the rounds on social media. The video shows a seemingly drunk officer, who is in uniform, after he drove into a motorcyclist.
The police officer is seen in full police uniform, trying to cover his face and regain his balance before he is grabbed by a civilian.
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In the short clip, the civilian explains that the officer had hit the biker with his unmarked VW Polo. He explains that the drunken police officer was then trying to flee but was unable to walk properly.
Watch the full video here:
The civilian is then seen presenting the unsteady officer to other police members who had just arrived on the scene. But the other police officers appear to be reluctant to take the man into custody.
It is then that members of the public are seen confronting the police, accusing the officers of showing leniency to their fellow officer.
The Saps officers are seen trying to eventually take the offender away, but are coaxing him to sit in the front seat of the police vehicle rather loading him into the back where offenders are generally placed.
Protecting a fellow officer
It is then that a member of the public protested, saying that the offending officer should not just be taken away from the scene but should be made to face the consequences of his actions.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said that while she could not confirm the nature of the injuries of the victim, she said that the biker had survived the crash.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police released a statement confirming that the drunk officer had hit the biker with his own private vehicle.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, said that he condemned the irresponsible and disgraceful behaviour.
“A criminal case of drunk driving and an internal case in terms of the disciplinary regulations are instituted against the member and he will face the consequences of his actions”, said Mawela.
ALSO READ: Policeman to face disciplinary process over dance routine at Orlando Stadium
Last year, a police officer was arrested for being drunk and invading the pitch at Orlando Stadium, where he danced for soccer fans.
The constable that was based at the Rapid Railway Unit was left to face “heavy disciplinary recourse” after his actions.
The video of the dancing officer also did its rounds on social media.
