TZANEEN – The Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit in Limpopo has arrested a 51-year-old police sergeant stationed in Haenertsburg on charges of theft and defeating the administration of justice.

The arrest stems from an incident on March 15, 2024, when the officer, along with colleagues on crime-prevention patrols, pursued a suspicious vehicle that had failed to stop at their instruction.

The chase ended in the Mankweng policing area, where the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled. Upon inspection, police discovered the vehicle was loaded with chainsaws believed to have been stolen.

The vehicle was returned to Haenertsburg SAPS, and the items were logged into the SAPS 13 register. However, it is alleged that the sergeant later stole two of the chainsaws and sold them for personal gain. The stolen items were subsequently recovered.

A case was opened and later transferred to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, which completed a detailed investigation. The matter was then referred to the Senior State Prosecutor, who authorised a warrant of arrest.

On September 26, the warrant was served on the officer. He is expected to appear in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on October 24.

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the member’s actions, reaffirming that corruption and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated within SAPS.