Two police officers from Mankweng Police Station, Limpopo, have been arrested for allegedly stealing cigarette boxes that were supposed to serve as evidence in a case.
During a routine patrol on Friday along the R71, Mankweng Crime Prevention Unit members spotted a suspicious white Mercedes-Benz sedan. When officers attempted to intercept the vehicle, the driver sped off.
According to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, the vehicle was later discovered abandoned in Ga-Magoa village, with no trace of its occupants.
Thakeng stated that during the search of the vehicle, officers discovered a large stash of cigarette boxes. The car and its contents were then transported to the Mankweng Police Station for safekeeping as evidence. However, it was at the station where officers were seen taking some of the seized items.
“While offloading these cigarettes, two SAPS members were spotted taking some of the cigarettes into one of their private vehicles. The matter was reported, and a search was conducted.
“Cigarette boxes meant to be exhibited were found inside the vehicles of a 55-year-old Warrant Officer and a vehicle of a 41-year-old Sergeant. Both were arrested for Theft and Corruption.”
The two police officers are scheduled to appear in the Mankweng Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has applauded the arrests and vowed to ramp up efforts in the battle against corruption within the force.
“We will stop at nothing to root out corruption within the ranks of law enforcement. The law must take its course without fear or favour,” she said.
The Star