The deputy head of the Almaty Police Department (DP) and several heads of units have been dismissed from their posts following a high-profile road traffic accident on Al-Farabi Avenue. At the same time, criminal cases have been opened regarding the accident and possible violations, and an internal investigation has been initiated.
WHO HAS BEEN DISMISSED
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the deputy head of the Almaty Police Department, who oversaw external services and road safety, as well as the heads of the administrative police and public safety departments, have been relieved of their posts.
Official MIA representative Shyngys Aleshekeshev clarified that the personnel decisions were made "due to identified shortcomings."
A final legal assessment of the actions of officials will be made following the investigation.
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Head of the MIA, Yerzhan Sadenov, commented on the situation on his Instagram page. He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced the measures taken.
"On my orders, officers from the department of internal security, the committee of administrative police, and the department for personnel management have been dispatched to Almaty. A thorough investigation is underway. At the same time, criminal cases have been opened based on allegations of possible violations. A number of heads have been relieved of their posts. I emphasise that a legal assessment will be given to everyone," the statement reads.
WHAT CRIMINAL CASES HAVE BEEN OPENED
The MIA reported that a criminal case has been opened based on allegations of the possible illegal issuance of state registration plates by the department of internal security.
Additionally, a criminal case has been opened against the driver of one of the heads of the Almaty Police Department for inaction. He has been placed in a temporary detention facility.
CONTEXT
The fatal road traffic accident occurred on the night of 21 March. The driver of a Zeekr car drove into oncoming traffic and collided with a Mercedes, resulting in the deaths of three people who were in the second vehicle.