Why is an off-duty police officer still on duty after a fatal crash?
Alex Scott, 21, whose tragic death in a hit-and-run incident has sparked calls for justice and accountability.
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An off-duty police officer allegedly involved in a culpable homicide case, which claimed the life of Alex Scott, is reportedly still actively performing duties despite the ongoing investigation into the victim’s death.
Scott, 21, tragically passed away on November 30 after he was struck by a vehicle in Bellville.
Reports later surfaced that the driver may have been an off-duty police officer, who was allegedly picked up from the scene by a marked police vehicle before investigators arrived.
Scott’s family was notified of his death on February 14; however, they are still waiting for answers to questions about what exactly transpired.
Member of Parliament Nicholas Gotsell says the Democratic Alliance is deeply concerned that the investigation into Scott’s death has dragged on for months without clear answers.
He wrote to Parliament addressing these concerns, which were responded to by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia.
Cachalia said: “It is alleged that a naked male person jumped in front of the Mercedes-Benz while it was travelling along Voortrekker Road.
“The driver of the Mercedes-Benz then left the accident scene and parked the vehicle in front of the Bellville Swimming Pool on Voortrekker Road, Bellville, after which he fled on foot into Lincoln Street, Boston.
“Members of the VRCID Security gave chase and apprehended the driver at the corner of Broadway and 4th Avenue, Boston, and escorted him back to the accident scene.
“Upon arrival at the scene, a marked SAPS vehicle from the Ravensmead Police Station was present.
“The members of VRCID Security handed the suspect over to the SAPS members, after which the suspect got into the police vehicle.
“The SAPS members took custody of the suspect, transported him to Ravensmead Police Station instead of the Bellville Police Station.”
The reply further stated that no blood alcohol sample, toxicology, or other forensic samples were taken from the driver of the Mercedes-Benz.
Despite a culpable homicide case being opened against the off-duty cop, he remains on duty at Ravensmead SAPS.
Cachalia’s reply stated: “The alleged suspect is a member of the SAPS. He is stationed at Ravensmead Police Station, where he performs active duty.”
A case of defeating the ends of justice was also opened against the two police officers who transported the suspect from the accident scene.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Twigg said on the defeating the ends of justice case: “There are no new developments to report at this stage.”
Gotsell added: “The family of Alex Scott has been left to endure months of uncertainty and unanswered questions, while the very systems meant to deliver justice appear to have failed at the most critical moment.
“The Democratic Alliance will continue to pursue full accountability in this matter — not only for the fatal collision itself, but for any conduct by police officials that may have undermined the administration of justice.”