Cleveland detectives lead national investigation
The unit will deal with cases of police corruption and other crimes committed by police officers.
The SAPS has formed a National Trial Unit to deal with cases involving police corruption and any crimes they are involved in.
National spokesperson, Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo, said this was prompted by the recent arrest of a gang which included police officers from the intelligence unit.
He said the eight member gang terrorised areas including Cleveland, Yeoville, Norwood and Pretoria.
“The gang’s modus operandi was to impersonate police officers before stealing from their victims. Among other things, the gang would plant drugs at the victims’ properties, causing fear and confusion. During that time, they would steal money and other valuables belonging to victims. The victims would later be released without being charged,” said Brig Naidoo.
Since their arrest in March this year, the gang members have been linked to a spate of crimes in different suburbs in Gauteng.
He said Cleveland SAPS detectives are at the forefront of the investigation, as a huge amount of money was stolen in the Cleveland and Yeoville precincts during this gang’s operations
Brig Naidoo said a former lieutenant colonel resigned in May after he was served with a notice for a departmental investigation. A warrant officer also absconded in January this year.
He said the unit will deal with cases of police corruption and other crimes committed by police officers.
“The presence of this unit will overcome the delay in dealing with departmental cases to ensure the speedy handling of these matters,” said Brig Naidoo.
