SOCIAL media users were left shocked when a video of a man burning police uniform recently emerged on social media.
In the video, the uniform, which has several medals, is placed on hangers in what appears to be a fireplace. A man then pours some sort of liquid all over the clothing before setting it alight.
The incident is believed to have taken place in Eastern Cape, but the reason behind the man's action is unknown at this stage. The police said they are still looking into the matter.
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Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the man who set alight the police uniform was a retired police officer from Gqerberha.
She said the officer retired in 2007. "The incident happened towards the end of October 2023, and it was the first incident," she said.
Naidu advised other officers to hand over their uniforms when they have retired.
She said in terms of the dress orders of the SAPS, members who exit either by retiring or resigning must hand in all pieces of uniform and badges in their possession to their immediate commander.
"Medals awarded are retained by the member," she said.
She said the police were still looking into the matter.
