By: Thandeka Kosa, South Africa
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has embraced the arrest of three police officers following a robbery of a victim at an Engen garage in Welkom, Free State.
According to local news source Reamedia, General Masemola has also ensured that internal departmental disciplinary proceedings be expedited.
In pictures that are seen circulating on social media platforms, two men and a woman are seen wearing SAPS bullet proof vests and an SAPS mask. A white polo sedan which was allegedly used by the members can also be seen with flashing blue lights.
Since the incident emerged on 1st July 2024, maximum resources were mobilized and a dedicated team of detectives have been working on the case to trace the suspects.
The suspects were traced to Gauteng where they were arrested by the Welkom Serious and Violent crime unit and the Gauteng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations unit (FCS) on Saturday, 13th July 2024.
A Preliminary investigation has revealed that on the said date (13th July 2024), the trio, two constables and a sergeant pulled over a vehicle and ordered the man to step out. The man refused and drove to the nearest filling station where the members followed him.
It was during that period when the police officers allegedly grabbed the victim’s cellphone and sped off.
General Masemola concludes: “We condemn this behavior and don’t condone acts of criminality and corruption within our ranks. We will continue to deal decisively with those who do not abide by the SAPS code of conduct without fear or favor.”