A viral video showing a SAPS vehicle being driven without a driver’s door has landed a Durban police officer in hot water after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, ordered internal disciplinary steps against those involved.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, 1 June 2025, in the Durban North policing area, involved a marked SAPS vehicle that had earlier collided with a minibus taxi.
A female Warrant Officer driving the van at the time was trapped inside, forcing emergency crews to remove the driver’s door to free her.
Instead of being towed back to the station – as per standard SAPS procedure – another Warrant Officer reportedly climbed in and drove the damaged vehicle without its door, exposing himself to danger and drawing heavy criticism after footage of the incident began circulating online on Monday.
Although the doorless police car was being escorted by another SAPS vehicle with blue lights, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi said this did not justify putting the officer or the public at risk.
“We are working hard to protect the image of the police in KwaZulu-Natal and restore public trust,” said Mkhwanazi. “This behaviour is completely unacceptable. Anyone involved in the decision to drive that vehicle in such a condition will face internal disciplinary action.”
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Mkhwanazi said the incident had brought the SAPS into disrepute at a time when efforts are being made to rebuild public confidence in policing.
He stressed that the provincial management would not tolerate officers who disregard protocol and safety regulations.
The officer who drove the vehicle, any superior who gave the go-ahead, and others linked to the decision will all be held accountable.
Police are expected to provide further updates as the disciplinary process unfolds.
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