Hunt is on for female boozer who posed in a police car

JOHANNESBURG: An indepth investigation is under way to identify the origin of a picture showing a woman drinking alcohol while sitting in an Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) vehicle.

The picture was posted on social media at the weekend but has since gone viral.

It shows a woman sitting in the driver’s seat of the marked police vehicle holding two alcoholic beverages to her mouth while posing for a photograph.

The image has sparked outrage, with people questioning how an anti-crime agency tasked with rooting out drinking and driving has allowed such conduct.

Many took to Twitter to voice their disapproval of the offensive images as well as the EMPD’s conduct.

@djkevking tweeted “EMPD giving policing a bad name”, while @Troy56Hans posted “disgusting EMPD Name & shame”.

But the police themselves have been puzzled by the shocking visuals circulating on social media.

Yesterday, Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, the EMPD’s spokesman, told Cape Times sister paper The Star that an urgent investigation is under way.

“We have become aware of the images that are going around on social media and we are currently investigating them,” he said.

Kgasago said the EMPD investigation would involve analysing the authenticity of the pictures, identifying the woman shown in the pictures and identifying who the vehicle belongs to.

“Once the investigation is complete, we will take the necessary steps.”

Although Kgasago said that the woman posing with the alcohol inside the vehicle is not believed to be an EMPD officer, he said she would face the might of the law.

“She will still have to answer for her actions,” he said, adding that the officer to whom the vehicle belonged would also be dealt with.

“Depending on what the investigation (finds), the officer might be charged and will definitely face disciplinary action,” said Kgasago.

Possibly succumbing to public scrutiny, the woman believed to be the alcoholwielding suspect took to Facebook to apologise.

Yesterday morning, Tshidi Ford posted: “My humble apoligies to all (sic). I have caused a stir by sneaking into EMPD car while it was being washed an took pics (sic). I’m really sorry, didn’t mean any harm.”

Kgasago said the EMPD was aware of Ford’s apology and that the matter has been handed over to the police’s Integrity and Standards Unit.

“The matter will be investigated by the unit and possible charges against the woman who tainted the image of the EMPD will be drafted.”

He said the woman could also potentially identify the officer, to whom the vehicle belonged.

eBlockwatch spokesman André Snyman said even though the woman posing with the alcoholic beverages was not an officer, she should still be charged.

This, he said, was because the law prescribes that all alcohol in a vehicle should be kept in the boot or in a separate compartment.

The police have been puzzled by shocking videos circulating on social media