Six arrested police officers from east released on bail
The police officers were arrested for allegedly stealing R30 000 from a group of people passing through a roadblock.
Six police officers, who were arrested for allegedly stealing money at a roadblock, have been released on R7 000 bail each.
The group appeared in the Bronkhorstspruit magistrate’s court on Monday on charges of corruption for allegedly stealing R30 000 in cash from a group of people that was passing through a roadblock on the old Bronkhorstspruit and Witbank roads in Pretoria.
Faith Mazibuko from the Gauteng department of community safety, condemned allegations of corruption levelled against the six saying it impacted negatively on the public’s confidence in the police.
“It is a matter of concern that when the law enforcement agencies in the province are hard at work to enforce the disaster management lockdown regulations and arresting those contravening them, there are some corrupt officers who are using this as an opportunity to advance their personal interests by conducting themselves in an improper manner,” said the department’s spokesperson Ofentse Morwane.
“This conduct does not only negatively impact on the public’s confidence in our law enforcement agencies, but also undermines our efforts towards making Gauteng a safe and secure province for all citizens.”
Morwane said preliminary reports indicated that the officers also demanded bribes from other motorists who failed to provide the correct documentation, including travelling permits.
The accused officers attached to the Brooklyn and Silverton Police stations are expected to appear in court again on Friday.
“We remain steadfast in our efforts to build reputable law enforcement agencies to fight the scourge of crime,” he said.
“We encourage members of the public to report such activities at all times and to refrain from engaging in any form of corruption with law enforcement officers. This is to help us root out corrupt elements within the ranks of the law enforcement agencies and ensure that those who participate in such activities are dealt with accordingly without fear or favour.”
The Gauteng Provincial South African Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela said the officers who involved themselves in illegal activities would be dealt with.
“We will not hesitate to arrest. We will continue to arrest our members who engage in criminal activities. These members have shown that they are criminals and we will treat them as such,” he said.
“We cannot afford to have criminals who disguise themselves with our uniform and badges while committing illegal deeds.
“No person is above the law. Law enforcement officers found committing a crime will be dealt with decisively,” said Mawela.
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