Update, 19 June, 10am:
The officer is set to appear before court today. The story will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
Earlier report, 18 June, 4pm:
An off-duty Metro police officer, said to have been driving an official vehicle, has been arrested for culpable homicide after being involved in an accident that resulted in three deaths, including that of a child.
This according to MMC for Public Safety, Michael Sun, who said he ‘strongly condemned the incident’.
According to Sun, the accident occurred near the Golden Highway and Elephant Street in Vlakfontein Ext 1.
“We will not tolerate our JMPD officers to be on the wrong side of the law or allow any unethical conduct. I want to echo JMPD Chief of Police, Mr David Tembe’s message – that when one officer does wrong, that officer taints the reputation of the entire JMPD,” Sun said.
The Metro police officer in question, the MMC revealed, was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol and was taken for a breathalyser test at the Metro police Wemmer Pan complex. The officer was then placed under arrest and is currently being detained to face criminal prosecution according to Sun.
“The Department of Public Safety undertakes to cooperate with the police investigation and will ensure that justice takes its course. Our deepest condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in such a tragic manner.”
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