By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Department of Health has launched an investigation against the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) employee, who was in the company of an alleged prostitute, while driving an official branded state vehicle. This was captured on a video that went viral on various social media platforms.
It is alleged that the EMS officer, who was using a state vehicle for his own personal reasons, was stopped by the law enforcement officers. According to the department, the incident took place during the festive season.
The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The incident happened during the festive season when the department needed all its available resources to respond to medical emergencies. It is for this reason that the department applauds the law enforcement officers for their vigilance in monitoring the use of state vehicles.
“The normal procedures of dealing with this matter will be followed and it includes first suspending the official in question to allow investigations to proceed unhindered, then the investigation team will be appointed. The outcome of the investigation will determine the disciplinary processes.”
Lekgethwane further said, while members of the public and specifically social media users may have their own opinions about what transpired and what actions need to be taken, the department is pleading for space to proceed with the investigation and bring this matter to finality.
The Guardian 