The Makhado police in Louis Trichardt have launched a departmental investigation into an incident where an officer was caught sleeping on duty.

The female police captain was caught napping in her police vehicle in Erasmus Street near the Krogh Street junction around ten to five on Tuesday morning by members of the Soutpansberg Town Watch. The police vehicle’s park lights were on with the engine still running.

According to information, the female officer only woke up at around a quarter to six and drove off, but not before pictures were taken of her sleeping peacefully.

The matter was reported to the local station commissioner, Col Francois Ramovha, later the same day.

The Zoutpansberger managed to obtain a copy of the letter of complaint sent to Col Ramovha.

In the letter, town watch chairman Mr Dirk Meissenheimer asked whether it is acceptable for a police officer to sit and sleep in plain view of the public, while her colleagues are hard at work curbing crime. He also wanted to know how much fuel was wasted at the taxpayer’s expense as the officer did not even take the trouble of switching off the vehicle’s engine.

“This creates a bad impression of the SAPS, coming from an officer,” Meissenheimer stated in the letter. He pointed out that the police should not view their complaint and the photos in a bad light, but see it as positive criticism.

“... the aim is not to create trouble, but to see that justice is done,” the letter states.

It is clear that the senior management of the Makhado police view the incident in a very serious light. On Wednesday, local police spokesperson Capt Maano Sadike confirmed the incident, stating that immediately after the complaint and photos were received, a departmental investigation was launched. Sadike condemned the conduct of the officer and appealed to all police members to stay focussed and be alert while on duty at all times to render a service to the community.

The incident put somewhat of a damper on what could up to that stage have been described as a very successful crime fighting weekend.

Due to the dedicated efforts of the majority of the men and women in blue, the Makhado police managed to affect a large number of arrests over the Easter weekend, a period known for an increase in crime.

With alcohol being a major contributor to crime and vehicle accidents, Makhado police arrested 48 people for drinking in public around Louis Trichardt’s CBD. Two motorists were also arrested for driving under the influence. Another two were arrested in connection with theft out of a motor vehicle, while one was caught for the possession of dagga. Despite the successes, police confirmed two cases of house breaking, one at a home in President Street and one at a business in Klein Street.