Two members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), reportedly from Mthatha, were arrested by National Traffic Police officers deployed in Kokstad last week.
This according to the KZN Department of Transport which in a statement said it was suspected that the officers were driving under the influence of alcohol following an ‘incident’.
“The officers were observed swapping drivers as they approached a roadside traffic checkpoint. They were subsequently subjected to the relevant testing procedures, which indicated that both had consumed alcohol above the prescribed limit. One of the officers was also reportedly in possession of a service firearm at the time. The two officers were detained at Kokstad SAPS pending further investigation and the applicable legal processes,” said the department in a statement.
It is unclear whether the SAPS members were driving in a state vehicle and whether they were on duty at the time of the incident.
“The incident serves as a reminder that the law applies to everyone, including those entrusted with enforcing it. Law enforcement officials have a responsibility to uphold the law and lead by example.”