Imagine seeing a police car driving down the road—except it’s missing its driver’s side door.
That’s exactly what happened recently in KwaZulu-Natal, where a video of a doorless marked police vehicle went viral, raising serious questions about police conduct and safety procedures.
What Happened During the Accident in Durban North
The incident unfolded on Sunday, June 1, in the Durban North area.
A female Warrant Officer was behind the wheel when the police car collided with a minibus taxi.
The crash was severe enough that the officer got trapped inside, and rescuers had to remove the door to free her from the wrecked vehicle.
Driving a Doorless Police Car Was Not the Right Move
Here’s where things took a strange turn.
Even though the car was technically drivable without the door, police rules clearly state it should have been towed back to the station.
Instead, another Warrant Officer got behind the wheel and drove the damaged car—without a door—back to the police station.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda emphasized that this decision put the officer’s life at risk and also harmed the reputation of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Police Commissioner Demands Accountability
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, did not hold back.
He said the police force is working hard to restore trust in the community and protect the police’s image in the province.
For him, letting such reckless behavior slide is out of the question.
Mkhwanazi made it clear that anyone involved in the decision to drive the doorless vehicle will face disciplinary action.
This includes the driver, anyone who gave the order, and others involved.
The message is firm: rules and regulations must be respected if the police want to maintain public confidence.
Upholding Safety and Trust in KwaZulu-Natal Police
The commissioner highlighted that the police have made significant progress toward creating a safer environment in KwaZulu-Natal.
Allowing such disregard for safety protocols undermines all those efforts, and he vowed to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
What Do You Think About the Disciplinary Steps?
With this unusual and risky situation coming to light, the big question is—do you support the police commissioner’s call for disciplinary action against the officer who drove the doorless car? It’s a moment that’s sparked debate on police accountability and public safety in the province.