Disciplinary action for 2 police officers caught campaigning for a political party

Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, has mandated immediate disciplinary action against two police officers seen in a video violating the South African Police (SAPS) Code of Conduct and tarnishing the image of the South African Police Service.

The footage shows a police officer in uniform driving a state vehicle from Sundumbili police station to pick up an off-duty police officer at a voting station. The off-duty officer is seen wearing political party regalia.

In response, the Provincial Commissioner ordered the immediate removal of both officers from election duties. He emphasized that police officers must maintain professionalism and adhere to the oath they took upon joining the South African Police Service.

“In more than one occasion I reiterated to the members of the South African Police Service here in KwaZulu-Natal that they should leave politics to politicians. I emphasized the fact that police officers must never campaign or be seen to be campaigning for any political party.

What these police officers did is totally unacceptable and such behaviour undermines the hard work that the police have been doing to create a safe and secure environment for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. The two members will be subjected to internal disciplinary steps proportional to their unbecoming behaviour”, said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.”

Police officers are reminded that they must treat all political parties equally and with respect. Political parties and community members are also encouraged to report any wrongdoing by members of the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal. No one is above the law, and police officers found on the wrong side of the law will face the consequences of their actions.

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