Three police officers have been arrested following a robbery of a victim at an Engen garage in Welkom, Free State.
In pictures that are circulating on social media platforms, two men and a woman are seen wearing SAPS bullet proof vests and an SAPS mask. A white Polo sedan which was allegedly used by the members, can also be seen with flashing blue lights.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS General Fannie Masemola has welcomed the arrests.
Masemola also ensured that internal departmental disciplinary proceedings be expedited.
He said since the incident emerged on July 1, maximum resources were mobilised and a dedicated team of detectives have been working on the case to trace the suspects.
The suspects were traced to Gauteng where they were arrested by the Welkom Serious and Violent crime unit and the Gauteng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations unit (FCS) on Saturday.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that on the said date, the trio, two constables and a sergeant pulled over a vehicle and ordered the man to step out. The man refused and drove to the nearest filling station where the members followed him.
It was during that period when the police officers allegedly grabbed the victim’s cellphone and sped off.
While Masemola has condemned the behaviour of these members, he has welcomed the arrests of their own.
“We condemn this behaviour and don’t condone acts of criminality and corruption within our ranks. We will continue to deal decisively with those who do not abide by the SAPS code of conduct without fear or favour,” said Masemola.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) said it was investigating cases without fear or favour, as there is an increase in police officers being arrested and cited for various crimes including rape, murder, robbery and more.
The police watchdog told ‘The Star’ on Monday that if there was convincing evidence to their investigators, the cases will be handed over to the prosecutors to make a decision.
Meanwhile, Ipid arrested two police officers from Langlaagte after allegations of assault and corruption last week.
It is alleged that in November 11, 2023, Constable Emile Oliphant and Constable Sithembiso Buthelezi, both stationed at Langlaagte SAPS (Vispol) went to the business premises (scrapyard) of Zengcai Lee to conduct a search. They allegedly assaulted Lee and left with an amount of R10 000.
“The incident was reported to the Ipid for investigation. A docket was handed to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision. A decision of the prosecutors was that the police officers should be arrested and charged for assault and corruption,” said Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping.
They appeared in court and the case was postponed to July 18 for a formal bail application. They were remanded in custody.
Last week, Ipid arrested nine police officers for an alleged shooting incident that took place on May 30 in Pinetown.
It is alleged that a local businessman was driving along the M13 near Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal, when the police pulled him over. It is alleged that the police shot at him while he was sitting in the car.
Shuping said the businessman did not suffer any injuries but a case of attempted murder was opened against the police officers.
Ipid took over the case for investigation and as a result of the investigation, nine police officers allegedly involved in that incident were arrested.
They appeared before the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court and were each granted bail of R5000. The case was postponed to August 20 for further investigations.
Earlier this month, Ipid arrested a police officer aged 31, stationed at Paarl police station for allegations of rape. The incident allegedly took place on June 28.
It is alleged that a complainant aged 35 and her male friend were looking for a place selling alcohol when they met the police officer at around 1am, and asked him for a place selling beer. They all went to a certain house where the police officer bought two beers, and asked the complainant and her male friend to come to his house.
Shuping said on arrival in the house, they drank the beers and the male friend later fell asleep on the couch.
The police officer allegedly assaulted the complainant, put a knife on her neck and raped her.
She woke her male friend up when the police officer went to the bathroom and they left.
The officer was arrested and he appeared in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court.
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) said it was unfortunate that what a small grouping of officers do portrays the entire police service in bad light.
“The majority of our men and women in blue remain committed to serving the people of South Africa with dignity, and that cannot be diminished by such acts which are not consistent with upkeeping the law. As it relates to these suspected cops, we will closely monitor processes that have been constituted against them to determine their fate,” said Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo said.
He said the union stands against any form of criminality, be it by police or members of the public
The South African Policing Union (Sapu) said it condemns any form of criminality whether by law enforcement officers or any members of the society.
The union said where there are any allegations, the law should be afforded to take its course and determination be made by the outcomes of all sorts of investigation.
“In terms of police we know Ipid is there to investigate. We are saying the law must be afforded to take its course. We condemn any form of corruption. We are saying where there is a corruption, both the corruptor and the corruptee must be dealt with. That will assist us in eradicating corruption,” said Sapu spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale.
The Star