Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee has raised significant concerns about the integrity of criminal justice system officials involved in unlawful activities.

Abramjee’s remarks come on the heels of recent arrests implicating two police officers and a public prosecutor for drunk driving over the weekend in KwaZulu-Natal.

A Port Edward SAPS policeman was arrested with an alcohol content of 1.05 mg/l, which was six times over the legal limit, and a Southport SAPS policewoman was arrested with an alcohol content of 0.85 mg/l, which is four times over the legal limit. A female public prosecutor was also arrested with a reading of 0.83mg/l.

The arrests were part of the KZN Department of Transport’s battle against drinking and driving. 

Abramjee said: “The fact that law enforcement officers, who are meant to uphold and enforce the law, are themselves found breaching those very laws, is profoundly troubling. Individuals in law enforcement positions must epitomise the laws they are entrusted to enforce. The behaviour demonstrated by the two police officers not only contravenes the law but also undermines the moral and ethical standards expected of them. This failure to adhere to the laws they are supposed to enforce sends a deeply worrying message to the public about the integrity within the ranks of law enforcement.

“The arrest of the public prosecutor further compounds these concerns. Public prosecutors wield significant authority and play a critical role within the legal system. Their actions, as guardians of the judicial process, must reflect the utmost respect for the law. When those in such positions engage in unlawful conduct, it presents a grave challenge to the credibility and trustworthiness of the legal system as a whole.” 

Abramjee said this suggested a failure in accountability among those in positions of authority — the very people who should exemplify legal compliance and ethical behaviour.

“This incident may lead to public perception that there is a disparity in how the law is applied, depending on one’s social or professional status. Such perceptions can erode the principle of equality before the law and undermine public confidence in the justice system. Wrongdoing must be met with an equal measure of accountability, regardless of one’s role or rank,” Abramjee said. 

He explained that the effect of these arrests on public trust was not negligible. Trust in law enforcement and judicial authorities was central to maintaining public order and safety. 

“When those sworn to protect and uphold the law are seen to be violating it, it puts into question the reliability and integrity of these institutions. To restore public confidence, law enforcement agencies must be transparent in their processes and commit to swift disciplinary actions against those who breach the law. This transparency and commitment to justice, regardless of professional affiliations, can help rebuild and reinforce public trust.” 

KZN violence monitor Mary de Haas said she was happy to see the arrest of people driving under the influence of alcohol, which was not just slightly, but a lot over the limit. 

“I think it’s a really good step forward, and we want to see more of it because we have one of the highest levels of road-related deaths in the world per population,” De Haas said. 

“It’s a very good message; people do like to see the police doing their jobs properly, and every bit helps. We’ve also got to make sure the court does its job properly.”

De Haas said we all have to try and practice limited drinking if we will be driving. 

“There is a low threshold, and we should stick to that.” 

It has emerged that over 160 motorists have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in KZN in three weekends. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

Source link