Johannesburg - An in-depth 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, which was posted on social media over the weekend, 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 since caused outrage, with people questioning how an anti-crime agency, tasked with rooting out drinking and driving, has allowed such conduct in its midst.
Many took to Twitter to voice their disapproval over 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.
EMPD spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago told The Star on Monday that an investigation was under way.
“We have become aware of the images that are going around on social media and are currently investigating it,” 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 the woman posing with the alcohol inside the car is not believed to 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 in question 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 alcohol-wielding suspect took to Facebook to apologise.
On Monday morning, Tshidi Ford posted: “My humble apoligies to all. I have caused a stir by sneaking into EMPD car while it was being washed an took pics. Im really sorry, didn’t mean any harm.”
Kgasago said the EMPD was aware of Ford’s apology and that the matter had 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 identity the officer to whom the vehicle belonged.
eBlockwatch spokesman Andre Snyman said that 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.
Snyman said the police enforced this law on motorists and should, therefore, follow it themselves.
“The police arrest people for having alcohol open in a car even if they are just passengers, and some even extort money from them for this.”
The Star