By Buziwe Nocuze
Is the video of a law enforcement officer helping children return a horse-drawn cart they were riding in a DA election stunt?
The video, posted by DA Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie, shows the officer riding with four minors in the horse-drawn cart in the Bonteheuwel area.
A Bonteheuwel resident, speaking anonymously, laughed when she saw the video.
“We know that politicians do everything to get votes. That law enforcement officer was doing his job by making sure that the minors riding the horse and cart were safe. Why are we praising people for doing what they are paid to do?” she asked.
“What we saw in that video is not new, why is it a big issue now? What I know is that everyone wants to sell themselves to community members to get votes. Even so, we will vote wisely.”
McKenzie said law enforcement officers are not politicians or affiliated with any political party.
“Their primary duty is to enforce laws, keep communities safe, and ensure peace. They were not doing it for politics but primarily for the communities which they took an oath to serve,” McKenzie said.
He said the officer immediately took control of the horse and cart, returned it to safety, and made sure the children were safe as well.
Western Cape Law Enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason, said the horse and cart were not impounded, but the officer helped the youngsters get to safety as they were struggling to control the horse.
“The horses are allowed to be on the road if they have a permit – there is a yellow registration plate which they are required to have on display on the cart. If they don’t comply, they can be issued with a fine or the horse can be confiscated and taken to the SPCA,” Dyason said.
Cape Town’s law enforcement officers do not have police powers but are deployed to assist them and enforce by-laws. If they arrest anyone, the suspect has to be handed over to the police.
Pictured above: A screenshot of the viral video.
Image source: X
