Viral video: Misuse of state vehicle lands Sunnyside officer in hot water

The Sunnyside police have taken internal disciplinary action against the driver of a state vehicle who used SAPS property to promote a vendor’s products.

In a video circulating social media, a man can be seen marketing products for sale from the back of an official Sunnyside police station vehicle.

The video stirred controversy online with many users criticising the station for allowing its vehicles to be used in such a way. The police officer even used the vehicle’s siren as part of the promotion.

The station has since announced that it has taken internal action against the officer.

Station commander Brigadier Matshidiso Kgoadi, upon receiving the video clip, conducted a preliminary internal investigation and identified the driver. Internal disciplinary processes have already been instituted against the officer involved.

“Police vehicles should be used to serve and protect the public and for the benefit of the victims of crime and not for any other purpose. The misuse and abuse of police vehicles will not be tolerated, and those police officers who are found to be contravening the police code of conduct will be dealt with accordingly,” Kgoadi warned.

Provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni has since commended Kgoadi for his swift action.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu released the first quarter crime statistics for 2024/25 on Friday, August 30 which included Sunnyside as one of the 30 stations plagued by serious crime.

Other local stations included Temba, Mamelodi East, Brooklyn and Pretoria Central.

Watch here:

https://x.com/PSAFLIVE/status/1830594011934892119

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