LIMPOPO – Three SAPS employees (two police officers and a general cleaner) stationed at the Modimolle Police Station have been arrested in connection with the theft of washing powder from a delivery truck, in what the provincial police commissioner has labelled a “serious breach of trust”.

The arrests follow a joint investigation by the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit and the Modimolle Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) after a truck transporting several pallets of washing powder veered off the R101 outside Modimolle last Monday (July 14).

The Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba said the driver reported that looters helped themselves to some of the cargo during the chaos of the crash.

Shortly after, a marked SAPS vehicle reportedly arrived on scene and instead of restoring order at the driver’s request, the officers allegedly joined in on the looting.

“According to the complaint, the officers were seen loading a significant amount of washing powder into their police vehicle before fleeing the scene. The driver managed to gather key information about the incident and the identities of those involved. The matter was swiftly reported, prompting an in-depth investigation,” his statement read.

A search operation conducted on Friday (July 18) led to the recovery of some of the stolen goods at the home of one of the officers.

Further investigation also implicated a station cleaner in the theft.

“All three suspects, aged between 49 and 55, have been charged with theft and defeating the ends of justice and are set to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court today (July 21). More arrests are expected,” he said.

The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe condemned the abuse of SAPS authority.

“It is extremely disheartening when those entrusted with upholding the law violate that trust. Criminal conduct within our ranks will be rooted out.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact their nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.