KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health official arrested for drunk driving and firearm possession

A SENIOR KwaZulu-Natal government employee has landed himself in hot water after a reckless attempt to evade arrest in a state vehicle.

The official was apprehended by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) in Park Rynie on the south coast.

He faces a litany of serious charges, including drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, reckless and negligent driving, failing to stop for law enforcement, and possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

The official was denied bail at the Scottburgh police station.

The incident unfolded when the official, upon realising that law enforcement had initiated an arrest, allegedly sped off in the state vehicle.

However, his evasive maneuvers were short-lived; the RTI team quickly apprehended him. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered not only the official but also another intoxicated male and a 17-year-old female passenger.

The official was also found in possession of a firearm that was immediately taken away by the RTI team.

The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, commended the RTI team for treating motorists equally.

"If you are arrested by RTI for drunk driving, please don't call us, we are busy. RTI is treating motorists equally," said Duma.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has condemned the serious allegations levelled against  its employee.

"The reported charges, which include drunk driving, reckless and negligent driving, excessive speeding, fleeing from law enforcement, and the illegal possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, represent an appalling breach of the law and of the trust placed in us as public servants.

"We wish to state categorically that the department does not take these allegations on a lighter note; we deem them with the utmost seriousness. We have zero tolerance for any official who abuses state resources, endangers public safety, and brings the name of the Department into disrepute," according to a statement issued by the department.

It further stated that the combination of the alleged offences, including drinking while on duty, or whilst driving the state vehicle is viewed as an egregious violation of the code of conduct and public service regulations.

"While the criminal process is rightly underway, the Department has immediately launched a full internal investigation. The involved vehicle has been impounded, and we are in the process of securing its recovery.

"We assure the public that should our internal processes find the official guilty of misconduct, he will face the full might of departmental disciplinary measures, in addition to any consequences from the criminal justice system," read the statement.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE