Drunk cop ‘not the norm’

THE KWAZULU-Natal Department of Community Safety and Liaison’s general view is that local police are doing a very good job in their constitutional role to fight crime.

The department, led by MEC Willies Mchunu, pictured, is, however, disturbed by the recent incident in which an allegedly drunk policeman was seen in Pietermaritzburg “sleeping” in a police van, an alcoholic beverage between his legs.

The matter is under investigation and the SAPS have instituted a disciplinary hearing.

Mchunu vowed to monitor the investigation very closely.

“Equally, we have stressed against the temptation from some quarters to seek to paint with one brush police in a few and isolated incidents where some officers have made mistakes,” he said.

“Generally, the view of the department is that all police officers should be sober when they are on duty. We also urge our men and women in blue not to do anything that will bring into jeopardy and disrepute the good work that is being done by the majority of police officers in the province.

“However, while we will condemn and act harshly on those who flout laws, we wish to reiterate that the majority of KwaZulu-Natal police officers are diligent and resolute officers. The department will co-operate and work in unison with police officers who work in line with the law.”

Mchunu urged the police and all members of the public to be law-abiding citizens and report those who broke the law.