Three police officers, caught allegedly transporting dagga worth millions in Mpumalanga, are set to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 12 June. The trio, while in full uniform, were on duty and were found driving a marked police vehicle loaded with 107 bags of dagga.
The officers, attached to the White River Flying Squad and SAPS, and two others were nabbed on the N4 Road near Matsulu T-junction, on Tuesday, 10 June. Members of Matsulu SAPS received information about the dodgy activity and responded.
OFFICERS FACE NUMEROUS CHARGES
The accused face charges of corrupt activities and defeating the ends of justice. According to a statement from SAPS additional charges could also be added as the drug related investigation continues. In addition, internal disciplinary actions will also be instituted against the officers. Meanwhile, the two others are facing separate charges of dealing in the drugs.
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi commented on the dagga bust and said justice must prevail.
“If any member is found to have been on the other side of the law, regardless of whether they are police officers or any law enforcement agencies, the law will have to take his cause without any fear or favour.”
Major General Dr Mkhwanazi also emphasised that there is no one that is above the law.
This is not the first incident where an officer was caught doing dodgy dealings.
The arrest comes a day after a City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officer was arrested by the Hawks. The 43-year-old officer was arrested on charges of murder, kidnapping, and extortion.
The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, said the kidnapping is alleged to have taken place on May 16 in Kraaifontein.
“The victim was last seen by a friend who reported that the victim went to Bellville to view a vehicle he intended to purchase and never came back. Instead, another friend of the victim received a call from the victim reporting that he had been kidnapped and was being assaulted,” Vukubi said.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON POLICE OFFICERS BEING INVOLVED IN DRUG-RELATED CRIMES?
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