A Cape Town police officer has sparked controversy after posting multiple video clips on social media, pleading with Hollywood to offer him an acting role that would allow him to leave his law enforcement career behind.
Also read: 4 shot, alleged leader arrested as gang wars erupt across Cape Flats
Constable Huram Louw (47), stationed at Manenberg police station, caused a stir over the weekend with a social media rant.
According to News24, Louw accused the police of neglecting to grant him a bonus, promotion, or bursary to pursue his dream of acting.
Appealing directly to Hollywood’s elite, Louw sought assistance in securing an acting role.
‘Hollywood, if you guys out there in Los Angeles see this video, I need acting work desperately. I love being an actor,’ Louw said.
‘Acting is all that I have left and I feel very comfortable being an actor.’
‘I have two degrees, [and] after years of trying [to get promoted], the management and people in the company always mislead one and make promises they cannot keep,’ he said.
Expressing his determination to pursue an acting career, Louw declared: ‘Hollywood, if you would have me, I would gladly resign from the South African Police Service.’
Louw criticised the treatment of the LGBTQI+ community within the police service, citing animosity directed towards him.
Louw stated he posted the video clips to urge national police commissioner Fannie Masemola to intervene in alleged bullying at his station.
Louw mentioned completing a BTech degree in public relations management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, but his lifelong dream is to become a professional actor.
In one video clip, he expressed disappointment that he never received the expected promotion despite obtaining his degree.
Louw left the police but rejoined in 2015 while also studying acting.
Louw added that he has now completed a BA degree in professional acting.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that officers are prohibited from posting TikTok videos or engaging on social media platforms while in uniform.
‘The SAPS management has noted with great concern a rise in the posting of pictures and video clips on various social media platforms, which constitutes unethical conduct.’
‘These posts have, in some instances, caused more harm than good by bringing SAPS into disrepute and causing irreparable damage to the organisation’s image.’
Mathe reminded officers that posting TikTok videos in uniform violates national instruction 5 of 2017.
Mathe emphasised internal channels, not social media, for officer grievances.
Also read:
Wendy Kloppers’ alleged killer linked to Ralph Stanfield case
Picture: Huram Louw/Facebook