Citizen raises alarm over alleged police vehicle misuse in Pretoria

A concerned citizen has exposed alleged systematic misuse of police vehicles in Pretoria, highlighting growing concerns about the allocation of crucial law enforcement resources.

The incident, involving a Bramley Police Station vehicle operating far outside its jurisdiction, has raised questions about accountability and resource management within the South African Police Service (Saps).

Pattern of misuse uncovered

The investigation began on 20 August 2024, when Tebogo Khaas allegedly observed a police van from Bramley station, approximately 40km from its jurisdiction, using emergency lights while travelling toward Sunnyside/Thaba Tshwane.

Khaas posted details of his findings on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

[THREAD]
On 20 August 2024, while driving to Pretoria, I noticed a police van from the “Bramley” station, with blue lights flashing, approaching from behind as I neared Eufees Rd offramp toward Sunnyside/Thaba Tshwane. Acting responsibly, I made way, allowing the vehicle (pic)… pic.twitter.com/gQ0Lc3mTRg

Read more

Three suspects shot dead in gun battle with KZN police

— Tebogo Khaas (@tebogokhaas) October 27, 2024

“I found it odd that a police van from Bramley, a significant distance away, would be operating in this area without any visible emergency or pursuit,” said Khaas.

Khaas narrated that the vehicle’s blue lights were mysteriously deactivated upon approaching a Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department roadblock, before proceeding to a private residence in Danville, Pretoria West.

Despite reporting the incident to an official at the Bramley Police Station, who promised to escalate the matter to the station commander, Khaas claimed he received no response after more than two months.

A follow-up visit to the same residence in Atteridgeville revealed the police vehicle was again parked at the private property.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told The Citizen investigations into the matter were ongoing.

According to The Citizen‘s sister paper The Rosebank and Killarney Gazette, the station saw an increase in carjackings in the last quarter to become the 29th highest station for the crime in the province.

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Widespread problem

The issue appears to extend beyond this single incident.

Observations from other communities, particularly in Protea Glen, Soweto, indicate police vehicles are regularly used for personal errands, including grocery shopping and school transportation.

Some officers allegedly park police vehicles at their homes during off-duty hours, raising serious concerns about emergency response capabilities.

While some congratulated Khaas for being an active citizen, others thought his observations were futile.

Zali Nxabi said: “So according to you this van must be idling and in operation 24/7. When he goes home someone else must use it? Does it not occur to you that vans are allocated by sector and that one is only in use when his team is on duty? Would you rather he takes a taxi from Bramley to PTA [Pretoria] every day after a 12-hour shift?”

“You know, Mr Klaas, you will never know how important it is for a police officer to have a vehicle at home. Sometimes they go out of their way to attend to a serious crime whilst off duty. It is surprising to talk about vehicles and you don’t talk when they are killed on/off duty,” Xolani Williams added.

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Impact on public safety

The unauthorised use of police vehicles has significant implications for public safety and resource allocation.

With rising crime rates and communities already struggling with limited police response capacity, the practice of using police vehicles for personal purposes potentially compromises emergency response times and overall law enforcement effectiveness.

Misuse of police vehicles carries serious ramifications, including:

• Inefficient allocation of critical law enforcement resources
• Compromised emergency response capabilities
• Potential facilitation of corrupt activities
• Reduced public trust in law enforcement

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