DURBAN: eThekwini metro police have defended the officials who were caught on camera placing bottles of alcohol in their vehicle after looting at a Spar liquor outlet in the CBD last night.
Three female officials in full metro police uniform were filmed putting alcohol in a metro police minibus, allegedly from the Spar Tops Liquor.
In the video that has raised eyebrows on social media, the officers are seen loading alcohol in the vehicle.
EThekwini Municipality communications officer Mandla Nsele said the city notes with concern the video of the officers seen to be looting.
However, Nsele said upon a preliminary investigation, it was determined that the officers were not looting.
He said it was established that the officers were confiscating the goods and recovering items that were abandoned by criminal elements who were looting.
Nsele said in terms of police procedure and policy, all items recovered had been recorded in an SAPS register.
“Hundreds of people have been detained with the evidence loaded in the vehicles. In terms of law, the suspect, with the chain of evidence, must be taken to the police station and this is what has happened,” he said.
However, the city would continue to investigate all allegations levelled against metro police officers as this was taken in a serious light, he said
Furthermore, Nsele said the city called on communities to remain calm considering the civil unrest taking place, and to listen to the radio and other media to stay informed of current developments.
THE MERCURY