Police officer and accomplices arrested for corruption, theft from motor vehicle and possession of suspected stolen goods

POTCHEFSTROOM – A 38-year-old Sergeant and two accomplices, both aged 20, were on Wednesday, 14 June 2023, arrested in Letlhabile by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU), for corruption and theft from motor vehicle.

The arrest came after community members in Letlhabile allegedly spotted and apprehended two males who were carrying an engine block in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The suspects were ultimately handed over to the police. Whilst awaiting to be transported to a nearby detention facility, the pair who were handcuffed to each other, allegedly overpowered and assaulted a police officer in the Community Service Centre (CSC) before escaping. Subsequent to mobilisation of resources, the suspects were re-arrested a few hours later in Letlhabile.

The other suspect, aged 37, was arrested for aiding the escapees, after it was discovered that he allegedly removed the duo’s handcuffs during their escape. A charge of malicious damage to property is also under investigation.

Further investigations into the matter led to the arrest of the police officer after it came out that he allegedly conspired with the duo in the theft of the engine block from the exhibit store.

The duo was charged for possession of suspected stolen property, escape from lawful custody, assault common (attack on police officer), malicious damage to property and theft from motor vehicle while the police officer was charged for theft from motor vehicle and corruption.

All the suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrates’ Court Monday, 19 June 2023.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked the community and all police units involved for their diligence and quick reaction that led to the arrest of the suspects. He said further that corrupt employees who fail to toe the line will not be tolerated within the ranks of the South African Police Service.

Source: South African Police Service