A police officer was nabbed when he interrupted EMPD Germiston Crime Prevention Unit members on February 25 while they were arresting two Bangladeshi men for possession and dealing in illicit cigarettes.
“The members saw various brands of the illegal cigarettes displayed in a shop on the corner of Victoria and Kimbolton streets.
“During the arrest, one of the men made a phone call and an off-duty SAPS officer arrived on scene and accused the EMPD officers of stealing from the shop,” said EMPD spokesperson, Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago.
The officer was aggressive and belligerent on the scene and was subsequently taken into custody and charged with interfering and hampering police officers from executing their lawful duties.
“The two suspects, aged 26 and 35, were found with a total of 155 cartons which retail at about R20 for a pack of 20.
“The total value of the goods is R61 320,” he added.
Kgasago asked for members of the public to be aware of brands such as VIP, Sevelles, Chicago, Savannah, Stix, Malimbo and Derby being sold by shops and hawkers.
“Although they are cheaper brands, it’s important that these shops are reported to law enforcers,” he said.
