SAPS Probes Viral Video Of Officer Sleeping In Vehicle With Blue Lights Flashing

A video showing a police officer asleep inside a marked SAPS vehicle, with its blue lights flashing, has gone viral on social media and prompted an internal investigation by the South African Police Service.

The incident was filmed by Democratic Alliance NCOP Member for Security and Justice Nicholas Gotsell in Green Point, Cape Town. The officer was armed and parked at a bus stop while his colleague was inside a Woolworths store.

SAPS has confirmed that the officer’s conduct is under investigation for possible disciplinary action.

MP Questions SAPS Officers Over ‘Visible Policing’

In the video, Gotsell confronts the officer and questions why the emergency lights were activated.

“What emergency is this?” he asks.

The officer responds:

“We are busy with visible policing.”

Gotsell then challenges the explanation:

“What visible policing are you doing when she is buying a coffee?”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Flights Halted, Schools Closed: Limpopo Flood Crisis Escalates

The officer replies:

“That is her problem.”

Gotsell further raises concerns after the officer reveals he is on medication.

“You are on medication, you just showed me. Why are you driving? Go and find a parking. I have informed Brigadier Van Niekerk [of Cape Town Central SAPS],” Gotsell says.

The officer responds:

“Yes, sir.”

Jurisdiction Concerns and Public Reaction

Gotsell said the incident occurred outside the jurisdiction of Cape Town Central SAPS, adding that the officer had been parked at the bus stop for some time before he approached him.

“When I initially approached the officer, he was asleep, and his colleague had been inside Woolworths for a while,” he said.

“Despite having his commander on the phone, he continued to argue that he had a right to park at the bus stop.”

Gotsell said he shared the video to highlight what he believes is a lack of accountability and discipline within SAPS.

The video has since attracted more than 5,400 likes and over 2,000 comments, with public opinion divided.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Power Cut For Popular Hillbrow Summit Nightclub Over R2.6m City Power Debt

One user commented:

“Are police officers not allowed to buy coffee? What exactly is the issue here?”

Another wrote:

“Does being on medication automatically mean someone cannot drive?”

Jacques Weber from the Community Improvement District (CID) also raised concerns about officer safety.

“This behaviour increases the risk of officers being targeted and their firearms being stolen and ending up in the wrong hands,” Weber said.

SAPS has not yet confirmed what disciplinary steps, if any, will follow once the investigation is complete.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky