A police constable from Volksrust was arrested on 10 May and due to appear in the Volksrust Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 11 May in connection with armed robberies.
According to a statement from Brig Leonard Hlathi, provincial spokesman of the police, a well-knitted investigation led to the pinning down of the 40-year-old police constable.
Reports indicate that the area of Volksrust experienced an up-trend of business robberies where cases were registered and subsequently investigated.
The latest robbery occurred on 10 April where a group of armed suspects stormed a clothing shop and held the staff hostage.
The suspects instructed the staff to stay in the storeroom while they helped themselves to various items, including cell phones and some clothing items, with an estimated value of R150 000.
The incident was eventually reported to police and a manhunt launched.
According to the statement, police followed all possible leads on the whereabouts of the villains and managed to arrest six of them, who were found in possession of an unlawful firearm, as well as ammunition.
Four of them reportedly escaped from lawful custody at the Volksrust Magistrate ‘s Court when they were scheduled to make their second court appearance on 19 April.
Mr Welcome Mncube (56) was rearrested, but Messrs Jima Dube (34), Sandile Gasa (42) and Emmanuel Sibanda (28) are still at large.
Police also discovered that the constable was found to be allegedly involved in some of the robberies.
An internal investigation to determine his fitness to remain a police officer is underway.
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Maj-Gen Thulani Phahla, vowed to get rid of all corrupt elements within the system.
“We can never allow good police officers to be dented by a few who further their illicit behaviour from within the service,” he said.
The public can contact the police in Volksrust with information on the whereabouts of the escapees at 017 735 9913 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Information can also be sent via MYSAPSAPP.
All information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
