Polokwane – A 51-year-old police sergeant has been arrested on suspicion that he stole two chainsaws that had been recovered as stolen property.
Limpopo spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the police sergeant stationed at Haenertsburg Police Station, Mopani District, faces charges of theft and defeating the administration of justice.
Allegations are that on 15 March 2024, the police officer and his colleagues were conducting crime prevention duties around Haenertsburg when they spotted a suspicious vehicle.
“When instructed to stop, the driver sped off, resulting in a chase that ended in the Mankweng policing area,” recalled Brigadier Mashaba.
“The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
“Upon inspection, the vehicle was found loaded with chainsaws suspected of being stolen.”
Brigadier Mashaba said the vehicle was driven back to Haenertsburg Police Station, where the recovered items were booked into a register.
“However, the sergeant allegedly stole two of the chainsaws and sold them for personal gain,” the police spokesperson said.
“The stolen items were later recovered.
“Following the opening of a case docket at Haenertsburg SAPS, the matter was transferred to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation.”
After a thorough probe, the case was presented to the senior state prosecutor, who issued a warrant of arrest.
Brigadier Mashaba revealed that on Friday, 26 September 2025, the police sergeant was served with the warrant and arrested.
He is expected to make his first court appearance at the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court.
The Limpopo police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed her dismay at the alleged conduct of the police sergeant.
She warned that the police do not tolerate corruption or criminal behaviour within their ranks.
