Limpopo police officers arrested for looting from truck crash

Limpopo police officers and a SAPS cleaner have been arrested for allegedly helping themselves to goods from a crashed truck outside Modimolle, while on duty.

According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, chaos erupted on July 14 after a truck transporting washing powder veered off the road near Modimolle, spilling its cargo, and while the driver tried to secure the scene, two police officers and a SAPS cleaner allegedly joined in the looting.

"While the driver attempted to secure the scene, several vehicles stopped, and individuals began looting the washing powder. Shortly after, a marked SAPS vehicle arrived with the two police officers."

Ledwaba stated that despite the truck driver’s pleas for the police to halt the looting, the officers reportedly participated by loading significant quantities of washing powder into the back of a SAPS vehicle before driving off, leaving the driver behind as looting continued.

The truck driver was able to collect important details about the incident and identify those involved, which led to the opening of a case and prompted police officers to launch a thorough investigation.

Ledwaba further revealed that following a thorough investigation, on July 18, a joint team from the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit and the Modimolle Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) conducted a search operation, recovering some of the stolen goods at one of the police officers' homes. The investigation also connected a third SAPS employee, a general cleaner, to the crime.

All three suspects, aged between 49 and 55, are expected to appear in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 21, to face charges related to the alleged looting incident.

Ledwaba confirmed that the investigation is still underway, and more arrests are likely as authorities continue to track down all those involved in the looting incident.

Meanwhile, Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, strongly condemned the involvement of SAPS members in criminal conduct, calling it a betrayal of the oath to serve and protect.

“It is extremely disheartening when those entrusted with upholding the law violate that trust. Corruption and criminal behaviour within the ranks of the SAPS will not be tolerated. We are committed to ensuring accountability at all levels,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Police have also appealed to the public to assist with the investigation by reporting any additional information related to the incident at their nearest police station or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za