POLOKWANE – Two South African Police Service members attached to Polokwane SAPS have been arrested in connection with a kidnapping and common purpose case linked to an incident that allegedly took place in 2024.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, assisted by the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Limpopo, arrested the two police sergeants on Tuesday, May 26.

The officers, aged 40 and 49, are attached to Polokwane Detectives and Polokwane Crime Prevention, respectively.

According to police, the arrests relate to an incident reported to Westenburg Police Station and alleged to have occurred on July 17, 2024, along Matlala Road near Extension 76 in the Westenburg policing area.

It is alleged that the complainant was travelling with two brothers, both foreign nationals, when their vehicle was stopped by police officers who requested asylum documentation.

Police said a 17-year-old passenger who allegedly did not have valid documentation was taken by officers, while the complainant was instructed to follow them to Polokwane Police Station.

However, upon arrival at the station, the complainant was allegedly informed that there was no record indicating the minor had been detained.

According to police, the teenager was later brought to Polokwane SAPS and detained on allegations related to illegal immigration, but the matter was later withdrawn in court.

Following further investigation and internal processes, warrants of arrest were issued against the two police officials on charges of kidnapping and common purpose.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrests and said accountability within the police service remains a priority.

“We remain committed to ensuring accountability within the ranks of the South African Police Service. Any member found to have acted outside the prescripts of the law will be subjected to due legal processes,” Hadebe said.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, May 27.

Police investigations are continuing.