Emalahleni (Witbank) – A fully uniformed Tshwane Metro Police constable arrested in connection with a stolen car together with his accomplices was due to appear in the Emalahleni Regional Court in Witbank in Mpumalanga Friday, (4 August 2023).
The 37-year-old Tshwane traffic cop and his co-accused aged 33 and 34 were arrested on Wednesday afternoon by the Mpumalanga police flying squad along the N4 next to Phola township in Ogies, near Emalahleni.
The arrest happened after being found in possession of a stolen Toyota Corolla with a Gauteng registration number plate.
The Toyota Corolla was hijacked in Daveyton in Gauteng.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said an initial probe found that the suspects were planning to hijack a truck transporting goods around the area.
“A male wearing the Tshwane Metro Police uniform and armed with a side firearm alighted from the car,” said Brigadier Mohlala.
“He introduced himself as a constable from the Tshwane Metro Police.” Brigadier Mohlala said the driver was in civilian clothing and was armed with a handgun.
He failed to produce a licence or a permit to possess a firearm.
“The third occupant denied being a member of the Tshwane Metro Police. He said the uniform belonged to his accomplice,” Brigadier Mohlala said.
He said upon arrest, two suspects confessed that they were not police officers.
“Their mission was to hijack a truck believed to have been carrying a lot of stock,” said Brigadier Mohlala.
“Police found two network jamming devices, eight-channel and 20-channel jammers.”
The arrested trio faces multiple charges including the possession of the stolen motor vehicle, impersonating a police official, possession of unlicenced firearm and ammunition as well as possession of jamming network devices.
