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The EFF in the Eastern Cape wants strict action against a provincial health department official who allegedly passed out behind the wheel of a state vehicle in Mdantsane over the weekend.
Health department spokesperson Siyanda Manana said the department was aware of the incident and confirmed that the official was not authorized to drive the vehicle.
“The driver was arrested by the police,” Manana said.
“There is an ongoing investigation by the department to determine all the facts surrounding this saga.
“We are making arrangements to take the car back to the health center and the police have taken the driver to a health center for further investigation.”
He said the department would not tolerate abuse of state resources that were intended to help people.
“Employees who discredit the department will face internal disciplinary proceedings.”
According to EFF spokesperson in the Buffalo City region, Siya Rumbu, the official was “so drunk that he could not speak properly” and had difficulty driving the vehicle.
Rumbu said the vehicle was seen by one of his advisers, Simphiwe Libala.
Libala reportedly saw the vehicle parked at a stop sign and blocking traffic.
“Libala, along with some members of the community, tried to open the car door because the driver seemed to have passed out,” Rumbu said.
The incident was captured in a 58 second video clip that has been circulating on social media platforms.
This is the second health official to be caught drunk behind the wheel this year.
In August, Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba personal courier Ayanda Matinise received a R5,000 bond from the King William’s Town Magistrates Court after being charged with violating national lockdown regulations for unauthorized use of a state vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol. and attempted bribery of the police.
He allegedly tried to bribe the officers R10,000 after a high-speed chase in King William’s Town.
Provincial police could not be reached yesterday for comment on the arrest of the last official. It is unclear if he will appear in court on Monday.
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