A sergeant attached to the Secunda Flying Squad was arrested this morning as he arrived for duty at the Secunda Police Station.

Members of Organised Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga arrested the 44-year-old policeman in connection with the hijacking of a diesel truck in Bethal in May.

According to provincial spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, the suspect is expected to appear at the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Monday (September 7), facing a charge of truck hijacking.

Masondo said the diesel truck was hijacked in Bethal on May 2. The case was escalated to the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation.

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“The team worked around the clock and made a breakthrough where four suspects were subsequently arrested in July.

“Further investigation revealed that a police officer might have been involved in the planning of the hijacking. A warrant of arrest was issued against the sergeant,” explained Masondo.

The sergeant remains in custody pending his court appearance. 

The commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended the members of Organised Crime Investigation for a breakthrough in cases of diesel truck hijackings in the province.

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“The arrest of one of our own members is a clear proof that we act without fear or favour and that no one is above the law.

“One could say it is disappointing and regrettable, but this should send a clear message that we can never tolerate criminality within our ranks. It also demonstrates that the SAPS are committed to cleaning its own house without fear or favour.

“Those who dare to be involved in corrupt activities within our ranks will not be spared.

“We assure the public that we will continue to act decisively against any member who betrays the badge and brings the Service into disrepute,” said the general.