A video circulating on social media on 5 November 2026 shows a police officer at the Pacaltsdorp police station in George making derogatory remarks about voters in Rosedale, referring to them as “baboons”. The footage was recorded during the election and has sparked an internal probe by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape.
The unnamed officer in the video says: “My duty for today is to maintain law and order there in Rosedale. There with the baboons. So that I can chase them back to their caves and the voting station can be orderly.” This statement, made during election-day duties, has raised serious concerns about police conduct and impartiality during elections.
SAPS Western Cape spokesperson Warrant Officer Christopher Spies confirmed the matter was being investigated by a senior officer appointed from the Garden Route District. Spies said the video was seen with serious concern and reiterated the service’s zero-tolerance stance against unprofessional behaviour by its members.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has noted with serious concern a video circulating on social media depicting a police official making unbecoming remarks in the Community Service Centre (CSC) of the Pacaltsdorp police station in George, Garden Route District,” Spies said.
He added: “The SAPS reiterates its zero-tolerance stance towards unprofessional and unbecoming conduct by its members and assures the public that appropriate consequence management will follow should wrongdoing be established.”
Independent regional media, including the Daily Voice, Cape Times, and George Herald, have reported on the incident, confirming the video’s origin and the ongoing investigation. The identity of the officer has not been disclosed by SAPS, nor has any disciplinary outcome been announced.
The incident is significant against the backdrop of concerns over police neutrality during elections and the use of racially charged language. The term “baboon” carries a long history of racist usage in South Africa, particularly as an insult directed towards black people, heightening the seriousness of the officer’s remarks.
The investigation adds to ongoing scrutiny of police conduct on the Cape south coast and reflects wider national conversations about professional standards and the relationship between law enforcement and communities, especially in election contexts.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the officer will face formal charges or disciplinary action. SAPS and the investigative team have not yet released any findings, and the full context of the video beyond the remarks quoted has not been independently verified.
CapeFlats.co.za will follow the investigation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.