Police in North West have launched an urgent investigation after a TikTok video surfaced showing a uniformed officer allegedly intoxicated while on duty.
The video, which has been widely circulated, shows members of the public confronting the officer, accusing him of being under the influence of alcohol while in the company of other SAPS members.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has ordered the District Commissioner to immediately probe the allegations, describing the conduct - if proven true - as not only gross misconduct, but also a criminal offence.
“Ill-discipline and intemperate behaviour by members shall not be tolerated,” said Kwena, adding that allegations of this nature are damaging to the SAPS’s integrity and erode public trust.
According to preliminary investigations, two members of the Patriotic Alliance and Operation Dudula, who travelled from Gauteng to support a group in Bethanie, are believed to be key witnesses. Police are urging them to contact either the District Commissioner or the Provincial Corporate Communication and Liaison office to assist in the investigation.
Authorities have stressed that the matter will be handled without fear, favour, or prejudice — but warned that circulating such serious allegations without reporting them to police could lead to obstruction of justice charges.
“It is a criminal offence to interfere with police duties or to maliciously spread false or defamatory statements,” the SAPS said.
Investigations are ongoing.
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