Gauteng officers in dock for alleged cigarette and cash theft during raid
Ten Gauteng police officers are facing serious charges after being accused of stealing cigarettes, cash, and painkillers during a raid. They recently appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court.
Ten members of the SAPS and EMPD appeared in the Germiston Magistrates’ Court today, 5 August, on charges of theft following their arrest at Edenvale Police Station on Sunday.
The accused, arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) while on duty, were initially suspected of theft and corruption.
However, Johannesburg regional NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that only theft charges were brought after reviewing the docket.
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The allegations stem from a 4 June multi-disciplinary raid on a shop in Edenvale during a law enforcement operation initiated by the Gauteng Premier.
Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the officers seized illicit cigarettes, R35 000 in cash, and three packs of Panado tablets. The value of the tablets is yet to be determined.
Suping added that the officers allegedly failed to record all seized items in the police station’s occurrence book, with the shop manager disputing the listed quantity and type of goods.
ALSO READ: Ten EMPD and SAPS officers arrested in Edenvale to appear in court over June raid
The accused include six EMPD officers — three from Edenvale — and four SAPS members from Tsakane Police Station. All are Constables except for one Sergeant.
The state is not opposing bail, and the case was postponed to 6 August for the continuation of the bail hearing.
