By Everson Luhanga
- The 59-year-old off-duty police officer was arrested at 18:30 on Saturday, 31 January, at a Barberton supermarket for alleged shoplifting.
- Store security stopped the officer after more bananas were added to a weighed bag. The value difference came to R43.80.
A 59-year-old police officer appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 2 February, for allegedly shoplifting bananas.
The off-duty officer was arrested on Saturday, 31 January, at about 18:30 at a supermarket in the Barberton policing area.
Police say the officer weighed bananas at the pay point and received a price label. Store security believed extra bananas were then added to the same plastic bag.
The supermarket control room alerted a security officer at the main entrance. The officer was stopped before leaving the store and questioned about the bag of bananas.
The bananas were taken back to be weighed again. The second weighing showed the bag was heavier than the amount printed on the price label. The difference in value came to R43.80.
The officer was detained at the store and the matter was reported to the police. A case of shoplifting was opened, despite the small amount involved.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane Mpe says an investigation is ongoing. She says police internal disciplinary processes will also follow.
Police say the officer will face the same legal process as any other suspect. Wearing a uniform does not bring special treatment after being caught shoplifting.
The outcome of the case is not yet known.
Pictured above: Bananas and a police badge.
Image source: Supplied
