Morgenzon – A 46-year-old police sergeant accused of stealing a gun from work and selling it to a local tavern owner will spend New Year’s Day behind bars.
The sergeant from a police station in Morgenzon, outside Ermelo in Mpumalanga, was arrested on Friday while on duty by a Tactical Response Team and Hawks officers.
Allegations are that – about two weeks ago – the sergeant was on the night shift tasked with safeguarding firearms kept at the police station.
It is alleged, that the sergeant stole a 9mm pistol that he was supposed to be guarding at the police station and sold it to a local 42-year-old tavern owner.
However, a police probe led to the discovery of the stolen firearm at the tavern owner’s house.
The tavern owner has since been arrested and is expected to appear in court.
He is facing a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela hailed the officers who investigated the matter and made arrests after recovering the stolen gun.
She said the arrest serves as a strong warning to other police officers who might be colluding with criminals.
Lieutenant General Manamela added: “We want to use this opportunity to warn police officials as well as all law enforcement agencies who might be tempted to engage in criminal or corrupt activities that we will not hesitate to take appropriate steps against them without fear or favour”.
