Mpumalanga SAPS refutes speculations of faltering officer being intoxicated
A police spokesperson stated that the female officer captured on video during the Sopa 2024 parade experienced some medical challenges and was not intoxicated.
The Mpumalanga SAPS says the speculations resulting from a viral video of a police officer that was captured during the State of the Province Address (Sopa) 2024 are untrue.
In this video, a female officer can be seen struggling to stand during a parade before Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane’s address at the Provincial Legislature.
A man can be heard alleging that the female officer is intoxicated, as the woman was struggling to stand still and ended up having to sit down. The video appears to be shot from a television that was broadcasting live feed of the Sopa.
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The officer was later assisted by two government security personnel who helped carry her away.
A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said: “Regarding the female member who was seen on the video during the parade at the Sopa on March 1 at the Mpumalanga Legislature – the member unfortunately experienced some medical challenges during the parade and had to be assisted by the medical personnel working on that day. It is regrettable that others interpreted the situation as something to laugh about, however, it should be noted that the member was not intoxicated, but had a medical breakdown and she is being taken care of. ”
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Mdhluli said people suffer from various medical conditions, and this officer in question unfortunately had her encounter during the Sopa.
A local medical practitioner, Dr Sibusiso Twala, said such incidents are common, especially with people with medical conditions.
