Pretoria – Three police officers – two Constables and a Sergeant – have been arrested for the theft of a cellphone from a motorist in Welkom, Free State.
The police officers, traced to Gauteng after their pictures circulated on social media, were arrested on Saturday.
In pictures circulating on social media platforms, two men and a woman are seen wearing South African Police Service (SAPS) bulletproof vests and a mask.
A white VW Polo sedan with flashing blue lights, allegedly used by the police officers, was also photographed.
“Since the incident emerged on 1 July 2024, maximum resources were mobilised and a dedicated team of detectives have been working on the case to trace the suspects,” said national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
“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, on Saturday, (13 July 2024).”
Brigadier Mathe said preliminary investigations revealed that on the said date, the trio pulled over a vehicle and ordered the male driver to step out.
“The man refused and drove to the nearest filling station where the members followed him,” said Brigadier Mathe.
The man stopped at an Engen garage in Welkom, Free State.
“It was during that period when the police officers allegedly grabbed the victim’s cellphone and sped off,” said Brigadier Mathe.
Commenting on the arrests, SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said he will ensure that internal departmental disciplinary proceedings will be expedited.
“We condemn this behaviour and don’t condone acts of criminality and corruption within our ranks,” said General Masemola.
“We will continue to deal decisively with those who do not abide by the SAPS code of conduct without fear or favour.”
The SAPS has an anti-corruption unit that deals solely with identifying and removing corrupt law enforcement officers within its ranks and beyond.
The public is urged to continue to report suspicious activities to their nearest police station and the Crime Stop Hotline number on 086 001 0111.
