Four constables and civilian
arrested in Pienaar
Four police constables and
a civilian was apprehended after suspected stolen groceries found their way to
a resident of Pienaar.
7 March
2014 14:00
NELSPRUIT – On Thursday four police constables stationed at Pienaar were
apprehended on allegations of theft, possession of suspected stolen goods and
defeating the ends of justice.
Their arrest followed an investigation after the cops had received a
tip-off on Wednesday that two SAPS vehicles had dropped off groceries at a
house in Pienaar.
The police responded swiftly but on arrival, found that the members had
already left. They entered the house and found the foodstuffs with a woman
believed to be the owner of the house.
She was questioned and told them that the groceries were bought by four
officials. According to her, they had demanded R2 500 in exchange for the goods
valued at R4 000. She told them she had no money and the constables told her
they would come back for the cash later.
Law-enforcement officials arrested the women for allegedly being in
possession of suspected stolen property and the officers who were involved
handed themselves over on Thursday morning, after being called in by the
station commander regarding the claims.
It is believed that the groceries were taken from shops owned by foreign
nationals during the recent unrest at Pienaar and KaNyamazane respectively.
“It is very disturbing to see people who are entrusted to enforce the
law and protect the citizens and all people in the country with their property
being the ones who break the law,” said the provincial commissioner Lt Gen
ThulaniNtobela.
“The allegations against the members are serious in nature and
disgraceful. The police cannot take advantage of situations and commit crime.
It is uncalled for and such behaviour should be discouraged at all times. I
want to thank the station commander and his dedicated members for acting
against these people,” he concluded The female suspect appeared in the KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court on
Friday and the internal investigation against the members is underway.
