The Western Cape SAPS has confirmed that a disciplinary investigation is underway against a police officer in Cape Town who was caught sleeping on the job.
The matter came to light on Wednesday, while DA MP Nicholas Gotsell was in Green Point. He shared footage of how he found a police officer in full uniform, sleeping inside a marked police van outside a retail store in the area.
Gotsell said the officer’s colleague was inside the store.
He added that the officer claims he was conducting “visible policing” at the time.
“His idea of visible policing is to take a nap in a marked SAPS vehicle, parked on a bus-stop in the middle of a busy road, whilst his colleague is shopping in Woolworths,” said Gotsell in a post on social media.
Gotsell identified the officer as Constable Makhosi, who he said is stationed at the Cape Town Central SAPS.
He said the incident raised concern over public safety, noting that the officer was armed and that the situation could have had serious consequences.
He further criticised what he described as poor discipline within an already strained police service, arguing that there was “no place” in SAPS for officers who disregard their duties.
“If this is Const Makhosi’s idea of visible policing, we are in big trouble. As a justification, he showed me the flu medication which apparently caused his drowsiness, but did seem to think that driving in that condition is cause for concern,” said Gotsell.
A spokesperson for the Western Cape police, Captain F.C. Van Wyk said the office is aware of the footage and confirmed that it was being formally addressed.
“Disciplinary investigation has been opened against the member involved. And will be investigated further. This is an internal process and is regarded as a matter between the employer and employee,” said Van Wyk.
Furthermore, while responding to criticism online, Gotsell said he was unapologetic about calling out the incident, noting that such behaviour undermines the work of officers who “put their lives on the line” daily.
“This behaviour gives the SAPS a bad name. Officers like Const Makhosi detract from that job – and from a professional, well-disciplined SAPS. A SAPS we all depend on at some stage in our lives,” said Gotsell.
