By Everson Luhanga
Three police officers have been arrested for a robbery that happened in Welkom in the Free State on 1 July 2024. The officers were arrested in Gauteng on Saturday, 13 July.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest.
Brigadier Mathe said 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.
She said in pictures circulating on social media platforms, two men and a woman are seen wearing SAPS bulletproof vests and a SAPS mask. A white Polo sedan, which was allegedly used by the members, can also be seen with flashing blue lights.
“Since the incident emerged on 1 July 2024, maximum resources were mobilised and a dedicated team of detectives has been working on the case to trace the suspects,” said Brigadier Mathe.
She said 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 cell phone and sped off.”
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has welcomed the arrest of three police officers following a robbery of a victim at an Engen garage in Welkom, Free State.
General Masemola has also ensured that internal departmental disciplinary proceedings will be expedited.
“While General Masemola has condemned the behaviour of these members, he has welcomed the arrests of our 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 General Masemola.
The SAPS has an anti-corruption unit that deals solely with identifying and removing corrupt law enforcement officers within its ranks and beyond. Communities are therefore urged to continue to report suspicious activities to their nearest police station and the Crime Stop Hotline number at 08600 10111.
Pictured above: Suspected SAPS members
Source: SAPS
