The SAPS in Gauteng has confirmed the arrest of three police officers on April 15 for possession of suspected illegal substances and for allegedly contravening the Correctional Services Act 115 of 1998.

The suspects were arrested at the Boksburg Correctional Services Centre after dagga and drugs believed to be mandrax tablets were discovered hidden inside two separate police vehicles. The vehicles were being used to transport suspects to and from court.

According to Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the officers are based in Ekurhuleni.

“Two of the officers are attached to the Tembisa Police Station, while the third is stationed at Zonkizizwe Police Station.

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“The arrests followed a routine vehicle search conducted at the entrance of the facility, where Correctional Services officials uncovered the illegal substances inside the two vehicles,” said Nevhuhulwi.

The case will be investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has welcomed the arrests, reiterating SAPS’ commitment to rooting out corruption within its ranks.

“SAPS maintains a zero-tolerance approach to criminality and corruption. No member is above the law,” said Mthombeni.

Internal disciplinary action has also been instituted against the members in line with SAPS disciplinary regulations.