Newcastle SAPS has confirmed the arrests of a local police officer and a member of a crime-fighting task team following an investigation into a falsified case.

Amajuba District SAPS spokesperson, Constable Nonjabulo Langa, said the arrests were made on Tuesday afternoon, January 14.

Langa alleged that the police officer opened a false house burglary case on January 12, claiming his state-issued firearm and safe had been stolen during a break-in at his home.

According to Langa, further investigation revealed that the firearm was stolen from the officer’s personal vehicle.

“The firearm was recovered in Osizweni on January 13, and a suspect was arrested for possession of the stolen firearm,” said Langa. “When questioned about the alleged house break-in, the suspect said he had stolen the firearm from the officer’s vehicle on January 11 while washing it.”

Police later arrested the Newcastle SAPS member in connection with the false report.

The officer faces possible charges of defeating the ends of justice, perjury, negligent loss of a firearm and failure to safeguard a firearm.

Langa added that the co-accused, a member of a crime-fighting task team, is facing a charge of defeating the ends of justice.

“He initially claimed to have safely recovered the firearm. It was later established that the burglary scene had been staged and that the safe was kept at a friend’s residence,” Langa said.

The officer and crime-fighter are yet to appear in court. It is believed that they may make their first appearance in the Newcastle District Court tomorrow, January 16.

Investigations are ongoing.

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