The City of Cape Town on Monday said it was investigating the arrest of a Law Enforcement officer who had been arrested during an operation to tackle illegal street racing.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the officer was arrested along with four other motorists on Wednesday during an operation to tackle illegal street racing.

The officer was arrested along Koeberg Road in Milnerton by his colleagues in the City’s Ghost Squad.

“The operation was surprising for a couple of reasons,” said Smith. “Firstly, I don’t think the Ghost Squad expected to catch one of their own colleagues behaving badly and breaking the law, but secondly, officers were surprised at the fact that Koeberg Road appears to be a new favourite among illegal drag-racers.”

The officer is now facing disciplinary and criminal charges after being arrested for reckless and negligent driving.

“The fact is we cannot tolerate such behaviour from staff who are paid to uphold the law,” said Smith. “It is not only embarrassing to the City, but it is also a smack in the face of the public who look to our staff to set an example.”