KZN Health says ‘zero tolerance’ after employee faces drunk driving, firearm charges
The KZN Department of Health has slammed allegations that one of its employees was driving under influence of alcohol.
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The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Health has condemned serious allegations against one of its employees following a road traffic incident involving a departmental vehicle on the N2 Freeway near Ellingham, Park Rynie.
In a statement, the department said it noted “with profound disturbance” the charges laid by law enforcement authorities after the incident on December 21, 2024, and said it “unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms” the alleged conduct.
The employee is facing multiple charges, including drunk driving, reckless and negligent driving, excessive speeding, fleeing from law enforcement officers, and the illegal possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
The department described the reported offences as “appalling”, saying they amount to a serious breach of the law and a violation of the trust placed in public servants.
“We do not take these allegations lightly,” the Department said, adding that it has “zero tolerance for any official who abuses state resources, endangers public safety, and brings the name of the department into disrepute”.
It said the alleged combination of offences, including drinking while on duty or while driving a state vehicle, is viewed as an egregious violation of the Department’s code of conduct and public service regulations.
While the criminal justice process is under way, the department confirmed it has launched an internal investigation into the matter.
The vehicle involved in the incident has been impounded, and steps are being taken to secure its recovery.
The department said that if the internal process finds the employee guilty of misconduct, disciplinary action will follow, in addition to any consequences imposed by the courts.
It reiterated its commitment to upholding high standards of integrity, accountability and the rule of law, and said it would act decisively to protect public confidence.
The department stressed that no employee was above accountability and that due process will be followed to its conclusion.
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