An off-duty police officer from Calitzdorp was filmed driving a SAPS vehicle erratically for six terrifying minutes before crashing into a wall on Monday, 9 December. The viral video, which sparked outrage online, shows the officer swerving from side to side on the road between Dysselsdorp and Calitzdorp before losing control.
Adding insult to injury, police on the scene failed to take a blood sample, which could effectively clear the officer of drunk driving allegations. Witnesses claim bottles of alcohol were removed from the wrecked SAPS vehicle by officers, fuelling suspicions of a cover-up.
The incident occurred amid heightened festive season road safety campaigns. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy recently emphasised that alcohol and speeding are top contributors to road fatalities, with 162 crashes and 193 deaths recorded in just the first six days of December.
Despite these alarming statistics, the alleged drunk driving by a police officer – someone tasked with upholding the law—has left many questioning the SAPS’s commitment to road safety and accountability.
Too Little, Too Late
Sergeant Christopher Spies confirmed that cases of reckless and negligent driving, as well as unauthorised use of a state vehicle, have been opened. However, no arrest has been made, and without a blood sample, proving drunk driving will be nearly impossible.
Captain Malcolm Pojie defended the lack of a blood test, stating the officer was already receiving medical attention when police arrived. Critics argue this excuse is unacceptable, with safety officials pointing out that collecting blood samples is a critical step in prosecuting drunk drivers.
JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, called the failure to take a blood sample a glaring oversight:
“It’s too late and there’s nothing to prove. Affidavits from witnesses can describe his behaviour, but without a blood sample, there’s no concrete evidence.”
Watch: KZN Cop in viral reckless driving and crash video arrested and detained
Caro Smith from South Africans Against Drunk Driving (SADD) echoed the frustration, describing the officer’s driving as “clearly impaired” and advocating for ignition interlock devices in public vehicles to prevent such incidents.
The Garden Route District Commissioner has assigned a senior officer to lead an internal probe alongside the criminal investigation. While this brings some hope of accountability, residents and road safety advocates fear the lack of immediate action will allow this brazen act to go unpunished.
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