KwaZulu-Natal police are investigating an incident where officers of the Public Order Policing Unit dressed in full riot gear escorted pupils to their matric dance in Newcastle, northern KwaZulu-Natal, last weekend.
The incident was captured on video and went viral on social media, being widely criticised as an abuse of police resources.
In the video, people cheer as the two pupils arrive at the venue in an armored vehicle with flashing blue lights.
A green smoke grenade is set off before the two teenagers step out of the vehicle. More than 10 people in full police riot gear, carrying shields march alongside the two pupils onto the red carpet.
Police Spokesperson Jay Naicker says they are investigating the matter.
“This video was brought to the attention of the provincial commissioner over the weekend and he has ordered the head of the Public Policing Unit in KwaZulu-Natal to investigate the incident. Obviously, he’s very concerned that police resources were used. However, at this stage there is an investigation around the matter,” says Naicker.
