Limpopo Police In Hot Water: Did They Promote A Vendor's Business?

Holifil

31 Mar, 2025

Two Limpopo officers are facing scrutiny after allegedly using a state vehicle to promote a vendor's business
A viral video shows police officers accepting drinks from the vendor before sounding the siren to help him
This incident mirrors a similar case in Gauteng earlier this month where an officer let a vendor sell herbs from a police van

LIMPOPO - Picture this: A viral video capturing what seems like police officers helping out a local vendor in the Vhembe District has sparked a nationwide debate. Are these officers bending the rules, or are they just trying to be good Samaritans? That’s the million-dollar question now being asked across South Africa.

Two Limpopo officers are under investigation after a video showed them accepting a drink from a vendor and helping promote his business with the police siren. Image: @chisole_achi_nuka. Source: TikTok

In the TikTok video that’s been making waves, the officers are seen laughing and chatting with a vendor who appears to be carrying a bottle of a brown liquid. The scene looks friendly enough, but it’s what happens next that’s got everyone talking.

When Helping Goes Too Far?

After a few laughs and jokes, the vendor asks the officers to sound the police siren as they leave. And guess what? They do exactly that. Now, while this might seem like a harmless gesture to some, it’s not sitting well with others who believe it crosses a line. The video has sparked a heated debate, and the two officers are now being investigated for potential misconduct.

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Another Incident in Gauteng

This isn’t the first time South African Police Service (SAPS) officers have been investigated for allegedly misusing state vehicles to promote businesses. Just earlier this month, an officer in Gauteng found himself in hot water for allowing a civilian to use a police van to sell traditional herbs. The video of that incident went viral too, showing the man advertising his herbs while the officer sounded the siren to draw in customers. Coincidence? Or is this becoming a pattern?

South Africa Divided Over Police Actions

The latest video has sparked a heated discussion online, with opinions divided on whether the officers went too far. Some users on TikTok have come to the defense of the officers, arguing that they’re only human and deserve a break. Take @tiyani024, who said, “I don’t see anything wrong here because police are human beings. They must recharge themselves too.” Another user, @user69361538011732, echoed those sentiments, pointing out that police work closely with the community and interaction is key.

@mdenisto2 offered a balanced view, acknowledging that there’s nothing inherently wrong with the interaction but questioned the use of the siren: “Of course there’s nothing wrong, but playing with the siren…this isn’t a car horn.” Meanwhile, @terry07gp_ criticized the officers for their priorities, saying, “They’ll ignore crime around Gauteng, KZN, and Eastern Cape, then focus on this. Ayyy.”

@vonganihlungwani85 reminded everyone that in this age of technology, actions are always being recorded: “South Africa is now full of cameras. You dance with someone at the tavern, and your kids and wife are going to find your videos.” And @chueneramaru expressed his frustration with the situation, saying, “South African police sometimes 😔.”

Criticism for Arresting Vendors

While some police officers appear to be overly friendly with vendors, others take a much stricter approach. Just recently, Johannesburg Metro Police officers were criticized for attempting to arrest a vendor. In a viral video, an officer can be seen trying to confiscate the woman’s goods while she pleads for mercy. It’s a stark contrast to the Limpopo incident and highlights the varied approaches officers take when dealing with street vendors. So, where do we draw the line? That’s the question many South Africans are asking right now.

As the debate continues, one thing is certain: the role of police in South Africa is evolving, and the public is paying closer attention than ever before. Whether these incidents reflect misconduct or simply human interaction, the discussion around policing and community relations is more important than ever.