Drunk On Duty Health Official Caught Red Driving State Car In Midnight With Bottle Of Alcohol
According to our report, the Eastern Cape Department of Health is once again under fire after one of its senior officials was caught driving a state-owned vehicle while allegedly drunk in the early hours of Sunday morning. The shocking incident has sparked public outrage and renewed debate about discipline and accountability in the troubled department.
Police say the official, whose name is being withheld pending disciplinary action, was stopped at a routine roadblock along the R61 near Mthatha. Officers immediately noticed the smell of alcohol as the man fumbled for his licence. A breathalyser test reportedly showed a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, the suspect was driving a marked Department of Health Toyota Fortuner — complete with official insignia — while clearly unfit to be behind the wheel. The vehicle has since been impounded, and the official faces charges of driving under the influence.
Sources revealed that the official was returning from a private party when arrested. This marks the second alcohol-related scandal involving a senior health department employee in less than six months. Earlier this year, another official was dismissed after being caught drunk while driving an ambulance.
Department spokesperson Yonela Dekeda confirmed the arrest, calling it “gross misconduct” and promising swift disciplinary action. Opposition leaders have condemned the pattern of irresponsibility, accusing the department of failing to uphold professional ethics.
The accused is expected to appear in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court later this week. Meanwhile, angry residents are questioning how those tasked with protecting public health can so recklessly endanger public safety.
Follow developing updates and disciplinary outcomes on this ongoing report — as pressure mounts on the Eastern Cape Health Department to clean up its image and restore public trust.