The Department of Correctional Services has launched an urgent investigation into an official who was caught drunk on the job.
What’s worse, the man could not find his gun when asked for it.
A video of the DCS officer, who was in uniform, and which has been circulating on social media, has “appalled” the department, an official said.
“The Department of Correctional Services is aware of a video depicting a drunk official in DCS uniform circula- ting on social media,” spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said.
“The department is deeply appalled and aggrieved by this video.
“Conduct of this nature can never be allowed in DCS, hence an urgent investigation has been instituted.”
In the two-minute video, the visibly gesuipte official is awoken while sleeping in a chair at his desk under a brown jacket, seemingly by a superior at DCS.
The man speaks slowly, his speech is slurred and he has trouble standing.
Ayi Madoda. He doesn’t even know where his gun is. 😔 😢 😭 😂 pic.twitter.com/X3BW5qKmXS
— Man's Not Barry Roux (@AdvBarryRoux) October 10, 2018
When the official tells him he is not fit for duty, he raises his hands, insisting: “I’m fine for duty, meneer, yes, meneer.”
He is also asked to stand on one leg, but fails miserably.
The alarmed official then notices his gun holster is empty and asks him where his service firearm is.
The man checks his holster and sees it is empty, then checks his jacket, on the chair where he was sleeping, and even searches his pockets.
The video ends. It is not clear who made the video or who first posted it on social media.
Nxumalo said the official’s bad conduct was in contravention of the service delivery charter.
“The mandate of the Department of Correctional Services is to contribute towards a just, peaceful and safer South Africa, and that demands that our officials must maintain a sound state of mind and be professional in performing their duties.
“This matter will be fully investigated and the department condemns this type of behaviour in the strongest possible terms.”