Video footage showing a uniformed Johannesburg metro police officer allegedly shoplifting, has resulted in the officer’s suspension pending an investigation.

Executive Mayor Mpho Phalatse was alerted to CCTV footage that was allegedly taken at a Clicks store in Jewel City, Maboneng.

She immediately contacted the store management and requested the security video footage to assist the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to identify the officer.

The JMPD conducted its own preliminary investigation and positively identified the officer, who has been immediately suspended, pending the finalisation of the investigation.

What is going on with our Officers ?
TMPD pic.twitter.com/iNh1apt0Q8

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“I have also encouraged the management of the store to open criminal charges against the officer. I applaud the swift response of the JMPD Internal Affairs Unit in dealing with the matter. Incidents like this only widen the trust gap between the JMPD and residents,” she says.

In a focused effort to clean up the JMPD and restore its image as the city’s guardians in blue under MMC David Tembe’s political leadership, six officers have been dismissed for various offences in the last few months.

“There is no space for criminal elements in the JMPD. Let this serve as a very strong warning to bad elements in city departments and entities. Regardless of who you are, you will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

“The Johannesburg multi-party government can only build a safe and secure city when the city’s officers are of the highest ethical and professional standard.”