Two police officers are expected to appear in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court today after they were caught allegedly stealing boxes of illegal cigarettes meant to be used as evidence.

Polokwane Review reports members of Mankweng Crime Prevention were conducting visible policing along the R71 on Friday when they spotted a suspicious white luxury sedan. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, it sped off, prompting a chase.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the car was later found abandoned in Ga-Magoa village, with no sign of the occupants.

“While busy searching, a large quantity of cigarette boxes were found and the vehicle was towed to the Mankweng Police Station to be kept as exhibit together with cigarettes. While offloading these cigarettes, two SAPS members were spotted taking some of them to a private vehicle. The matter was reported and a search was conducted,” Ledwaba adds.

A search of the officers’ vehicles led to the discovery of several cigarette boxes. A 55-year-old warrant officer and a 41-year-old sergeant were arrested and charged with theft and corruption.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrests and vowed to intensify efforts to root out corruption within SAPS.

“We will stop at nothing to root out corruption within the ranks of law enforcement. The law must take its course without fear or favour,” she says.

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