KZN Health Department launches investigation after employee's shocking drunk driving arrest

The Department of Health in KwaZulu Natal has officially launched a full internal investigation following the arrest of one of its employees on the N2 freeway, near Park Rynie, on the South Coast on Sunday.

The department said it noted the arrest with concern, and condemned in the strongest possible terms the serious allegations levelled against one of its employees.

The employee was apprehended for drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, reckless driving, carrying a firearm while intoxicated, and failing to stop when an RTI team attempted to pull him over.

The employee allegedly fled the scene in a state vehicle after realising that he was about to be arrested. A chase ensued, and he was later cornered and arrested.

According to a statement released by the Department of Transport, RTI officials found another intoxicated male and a 17-year-old female in the vehicle. The official was also found to be in possession of a firearm, which was immediately confiscated by the RTI team.

The Department of Health said in a statement: “It has come to our attention that one of our employees has been formally charged by law enforcement authorities following a serious road traffic incident involving a departmental vehicle.”

The department said the charges represent an appalling breach of the law and of the trust placed in public servants.

“We wish to state categorically that the Department does not take these allegations lightly; we treat them with the utmost seriousness,” the statement said.

The Department of Health stated that it will not tolerate any official who abuses state resources, endangers public safety, or tarnishes the department's reputation.

“The combination of these alleged offences, including drinking while on duty or while driving a state vehicle, is viewed as an egregious violation of our code of conduct and public service regulations."

The department assured the public that should its internal processes find the official guilty of misconduct, he will face the full weight of their disciplinary measures, in addition to any consequences arising from the criminal justice system.

“The vehicle involved has been impounded, and we are in the process of securing its recovery,” the department added.

DAILY NEWS