Western Cape officer probed for video remarks on ‘Abahambe’ campaign calling for immigrants to leave by June 30

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has launched an internal investigation after a police officer was captured in a social media video allegedly promoting anti-foreigner sentiments linked to the controversial ‘Abahambe’ campaign, which has called on illegal immigrants to leave South Africa by June 30.

The officer, who was reportedly filmed while in full police uniform, is believed to be attached to Vredendal SAPS on the West Coast.

Western Cape SAPS confirmed that management had instituted an investigation into the matter following the circulation of the video on various social media platforms.

“Western Cape SAPS management has instituted an investigation into a video circulating on social media platforms in which a SAPS official in uniform is seen uttering misleading anti-foreigner sentiments,” Police said.

Police said preliminary investigations had identified the member as being stationed at Vredendal SAPS.

“Preliminary findings indicate the member in question is from Vredendal SAPS on the West Coast,” SAPS said.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the Abahambe campaign, which has sparked widespread debate over immigration and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.

SAPS stressed that the views expressed in the video do not reflect the position of the police service and underscored its commitment to professionalism and constitutional policing.

“SAPS Western Cape wishes to reiterate that such utterances do not represent the views of the SAPS and the values the organisation espouses as a law enforcement agency.” 

An experienced officer from the West Coast district has been appointed to lead the internal investigation.

“Details of the incident are the subject of the internal SAPS investigation led by an experienced official from the West Coast district,” police said.

The police service further indicated that the outcome of the investigation would be made public once the process has been concluded.

“Once the investigation is finalised, its findings will be made known,” the statement added.

Western Cape SAPS also used the incident to remind officers of their responsibilities while serving in the organisation.

“Police officials are reminded to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times,” police said.

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