Police investigate unauthorised use of SAPS logo on funeral vehicle

GIYANI – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has launched an investigation after a funeral undertaker allegedly used the official SAPS insignia on a funeral vehicle without authorisation during the funeral of a police officer.

The funeral, held in the Giyani policing area, was for a deceased SAPS member who had been attached to the Gauteng Head Office.

Acting Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Jan Scheepers, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, saying SAPS neither authorised nor approved the branding of the funeral vehicle with its official logo.

“While the South African Police Service extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of our deceased member, we wish to state categorically that SAPS did not authorise the use of its official logo or insignia on the funeral vehicle,” Scheepers said.

He stressed that the SAPS logo is protected by law and may only be used with the necessary authorisation in accordance with applicable legislation and SAPS prescripts.

Scheepers said the investigation would seek to establish how the official police insignia came to be displayed on the vehicle.

He added that appropriate administrative and legal action would be considered if investigators found that legislation or SAPS regulations had been contravened.

“We will engage all relevant stakeholders, including the funeral service provider, to determine how this unauthorised branding occurred. SAPS will not tolerate the misuse of its official insignia or any conduct that creates the impression that such use was sanctioned by the organisation,” he said.

Scheepers said the police service remained committed to protecting the integrity, image and reputation of SAPS.

Police also reminded funeral service providers, private businesses and members of the public that the unauthorised reproduction, display or use of SAPS logos, insignia, uniforms or other official police markings is prohibited and could constitute a breach of applicable legislation and SAPS policies.