Missing cop found – ‘sleeping off hangover’

THE policeman who was reported missing earlier this week has been found – allegedly sleeping off a hangover in his car.

Constable Siviwe Ntengu, 23, who is based at the Port Elizabeth 10111 call centre, was found shortly after midnight yesterday asleep in his car in Joe Slovo, KwaDwesi.

Police officials said Ntengu appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

His failure to pitch at a 10111 control room training course at the police’s All Saints Training Academy in Bhisho is now being investigated.

Motherwell Cluster commander Major-General Dawie Rabie ordered the investigation into the incident yesterday. Rabie also ordered a costing of the search operation.

“Misconduct by our police members cannot be tolerated, and should it be proved that he [Ntengu] committed actions contrary to those department standing orders and prescriptions guiding the good conduct of our SAPS members, departmental steps will be instituted against him,” he said.

Ntengu, 23, went missing at about 4pm on Sunday, when he left his Wells Estate home to go to a training course.

Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said when Ntengu failed to arrive at the academy late on Sunday night, officials there contacted his commander, who then went to his Bandla Street home.

Ntengu’s mother filed a missing persons report on Monday night, which triggered a province-wide search for him.

Concerned detectives worked until late on Monday night, trying to find him.

Asked for Ntengu’s contact details so that he could be asked for comment, Beetge said he did not have a cellphone – which had also made searching for him more difficult.