'Sleeping' cops photo row rages

Three constables photographed "sleeping" in a Cape Town police station charge office have been sent for trauma counselling.

The picture caused a public outcry after DA ward councilor Grant Pascoe posted it on his Facebook page.

Police have launched an internal probe, a union has claimed the women were ordered to pose and an inspector at the Mitchells Plain station is facing charges of crimen injuria and defamation.

Pascoe is refusing to say who gave him the picture and has hired a forensic expert to prove it is authentic.

Popcru provincial chairman Francisco Fields said: "According to the women's statement, they were ordered to pose for the picture by (an) inspector. They could not refuse an instruction from a senior."

Police have determined that the women do work at the station and the picture was taken there. But the date it was taken and whether the constables were sleeping are in dispute.

Pascoe acknowledged that he had two relatives working at the station.