Two cops, Sergeant John Nene (43) and Constable Julie Manzana (35), and an administration clerk (39) of the Grootvlei Police Station are facing charges of siphoning petrol from an impounded vehicle that had been kept there.

A Dipaleseng Local Municipality plumber, William Mahlaba (51), has also been implicated in the crime.

The clerk, who may not be named as he has not yet appeared in court, was the latest to be arrested after the other three suspects were charged in November 2022. He is expected to appear in the Balfour Magistrate’s Court on February 20.

ALSO READ: Two foreign nationals arrested in Barberton for possession of explosives

“A vehicle was handed over to the police station as evidence in November 2022 and the four suspects allegedly siphoned petrol from it,” said the provincial spokesperson for the Directorate Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI), Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi.

Both Nene and Mahlaba were released on bail after their arrest, while Manzana was summoned to court. “The trio made several court appearances, and the trial date was scheduled for July 29 and 30 this year,” said Nkosi.

Meanwhile, the DPCI’s provincial head, Major General Nico Gerber, said the unit would bring all those involved in the theft to justice and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.