On Saturday 22 January, an alleged drunk driver ploughed through a homeowner’s wall in Chatsworth, Malmesbury. The resident has asked to remain anonymous.
No one was injured, but extensive damage was done to the property. According to the homeowner, R40 000 worth. He does not have insurance.
WATCH:
As seen in the footage, a white sedan smashes through the wall. The homeowner’s dogs are seen at the scene.
The homeowner contacted Cape {town} Etc. According to him, the SAPS have neglected their duties as police officials in assisting with an investigation into charges the homeowner alleges should be brought against the alleged perpetrator, which include: “driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, wilful damage to property and driving without a driver’s license.”
At the time of the incident, no one was home, but neighbours and Chatsworth community members allegedly attempted to call the police for assistance. Upon arrival, the homeowner said that he and his partner also tried to contact the SAPS. Screenshots show at least six phone calls made to the Malmesbury Police Station.
“Me, my partner and the neighbours desperately called the police several times, but they ended up shouting at us ending the call in our ear and telling us that they will not come,” the homeowner told Cape {town} Etc.
“When I contacted SAPS and told them that I am the house owner in need of assistance, the lady on the phone told me in a sarcastic manner that I would already be the seventh owner of the house that called the police station. In other words, seven other people from the neighbourhood must have informed SAPS about the incident before I called. Until now [26 January], I do not have a case number and my partner had no choice but to coerce the perpetrator into showing his ID. We were literally forced to take the law into our own hands.
“Further, almost every time we called SAPS, they came up with a different excuse. At first, they said their van first needs to attend to other emergency sites before they come to us. Later, they said they would not be able to help us but we need to deal with the claims arising from the accident ourselves. Then again, they said we can come into the station ourselves and lodge a complaint. Later, they told me that we should inform our insurance and they can give us a reference number when we go to the station (we do not even have any insurance and the driver does not have insurance either). When I called again and I made them aware of their duty to come and that I will institute legal action against them if they do not come, the gentleman on the phone shouted at me, saying that he does not accept threats and ended the call in my ear,” the homeowner adds.
Cape {town} Etc contacted the Malmesbury Police Station and were referred to Sergeant du Rant and Captain Van Wyk. According to Sergeant du Rant, police did go to the scene of the crime at around 9pm. This was confirmed by CCTV footage. The homeowner was not home when they arrived.
“Sergeant du Randt contacted the complainant and the situation was explained to him. Arrangements [have] been made for his affidavit to be taken.
“If the complainant is not satisfied with the handling of his complaint, he is encouraged to lodge a formal complaint with police management or IPID so that it can be investigated,” Van Wyk told Cape {town} Etc.
Cape {town} Etc is awaiting further comment and an official response from the SAPS. This article will be updated as soon as one is received.
The homeowner reportedly went to the police station today to open a case, however, he alleges that officers said they cannot open a case against drunk driving as no one was at the scene on 22 January to breathalyse the driver. “Nevertheless, they are going to come to my place and open a case for whatever can still be proven,” the homeowner said.
Also read:
Body of matric student Sisipho Mayile found decomposing in Hermanus
Picture: Cape {town} Etc