Potchefstroom – The business robbery case involving a 31-year-old police constable, Stembiso Ngamlane, and an accomplice continued in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho, North West, on Friday (21 June 2024).
The matter was first heard earlier this week on Tuesday, (18 June 2024).
Constable Ngamlane, attached to the SA Police Service (SAPS) Madikwe Visible Policing unit, was arrested on Thursday, (13 June 2024), in Seweding Village, Mahikeng.
The policeman who allegedly turned rogue and 30-year-old Jacobus Haywood face accusations that they robbed a tuckshop belonging to a foreign national from Bangladesh.
The pair allegedly entered the tuckshop wearing police uniforms and introduced themselves as policemen.
They told the shop owner they wanted to check if he was not selling counterfeit cigarettes.
The complainant took the two “policemen” to the place where he kept cigarettes.
The complainant recalled that he was then asked to produce his Asylum Seeker Permit, which was in his room.
He also alleged that the accused took his cellphone when he tried to call his sister-in-law.
The complainant alleges that after he produced the permit, the accused robbed him of cigarettes, airtime vouchers, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
According to court papers, when the complainant’s sister-in-law arrived she demanded to see the duo’s appointment cards.
Haywood managed to get away, but Ngamlane was caught and severely beaten by members of the community.
Ngamlane was taken to a hospital where he was admitted.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a preliminary investigation revealed that Haywood fled from the scene driving in a white Citroen.
“Furthermore, police uniform pieces that included a blue shirt and a reflector jacket were found about 500m away from the scene,” said Brigadier Mokgwabone.
“Haywood was finally arrested at Lorwaneng village.
“During the arrest, more police uniform pieces were confiscated.”
The accused remain remanded in custody and their matter was adjourned to next week, Tuesday, (25 June 2024), for bail application.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and reiterated that unethical conduct and the involvement of SAPS employees in criminal activities will not be tolerated.
