POLICE officers deployed to guard the building of a troubled municipality are in hot water after they were photographed buying beer while on duty and in full uniform.

The officers were sent to guard the Mogalakwena municipal offices in Mokopane, Limpopo, after recent outbreaks of violence.

Limpopo police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Ronel Otto said the matter was now under investigation.

"Police officers are not allowed to either buy or drink liquor in uniform, whether they are on or off duty," said Otto.

"We are investigating the matter and disciplinary action will be taken against those involved."

Sowetan has seen pictures of the officers purchasing alcohol during working hours, and drinking it.

Two weeks ago, the same officers barred DA parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane from entering the premises to discuss the impasse at the municipality. They closed the road leading to the institution with barbed wire and police cars and threatened to arrest anyone who crossed the line.

Maimane has since lodged a complaint against the officers with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

"I have laid a complaint with Ipid against riot police in Mogalakwena, who have been acting under political instructions. And I want them suspended with immediate effect," Maimane said.

Mogalakwena municipality spokesman Malesela Selokela said the officers were acting unlawfully by barring ratepayers from entering the premises.

"As a municipality we want people to pay for services. And the conduct of the police is unacceptable," he said.

frankm@sowetan.co.za

For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays