Three Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers have been arrested for allegedly stealing cigarettes worth R25 000 at a supermarket in Rynfield last year.

The three constables stationed at the Boksburg Specialised Unit of Truck Hijacking were yesterday arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

The officers allegedly confiscated boxes of cigarettes and loaded them in one of the EMPD vans during their search operation at Smokes and Kings Supermarket on July 6, 2022.

An employee of the supermarket was also put into another EMPD vehicle.

According to IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping, while confiscating the cigarettes the officers allegedly disconnected surveillance cameras inside the shop.

“Officers then drove to Northmead with the supermarket employee under the pretext that he was arrested. They demanded cash and a cellphone for his release. He allegedly gave them the [a few] R200 notes that he had in his possession. He was then dropped off in Northmead near the highway.”

Suping said the officers proceeded to the Benoni SAPS and booked only two boxes of cigarettes.

“Their statements indicated that the goods were found at an unknown property and the owner was also unknown, because he (suspect) ran away when he saw them,” said Suping.

Suping added that the officers also failed to open a case.

Investigations into the matter commenced and the officers were detained at the Boksburg SAPS.

They are expected to appear in court soon facing charges of theft, kidnapping, extortion and defeating the ends of justice.