3 police officers arrested for business robbery in Mfuleni

3 police officers arrested for business robbery in Mfuleni! Three police officers from Nyanga SAPS have been arrested in connection with a business robbery that took place five months ago. The officers, who were in uniform and driving a state vehicle, allegedly stole money and cigarettes from a spaza shop in Extension 2, Mfuleni, on October 1, 2024.

Officers Accused of Robbing a Local Shop

According to a police incident report, the three constables, who were part of the Visible Policing Unit, visited the shop under the pretense of conducting a search.

“The members robbed a shop of R5,600 as well as cigarettes valued at R6,930,” the report stated.

Further investigation revealed that Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) tracking and cell phone records placed the officers at the scene of the crime.

Initially, the case was handled by the Crime Intelligence Division (CID) in Mfuleni, before being transferred to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit, which eventually arrested the officers.

How the Robbery Unfolded

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie detailed how the officers allegedly committed the crime.

The investigation found that on October 1, 2024, at around 9 PM, the officers entered a Somalian-owned spaza shop and requested to search the premises. However, instead of conducting a legitimate search, they allegedly demanded access to a backroom where cash and cigarettes were stored.

“When the owner refused, they pulled their firearms and forced him at gunpoint to open the safety room,” Pojie said.

Once inside, they allegedly stole an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes. Meanwhile, the shop owner and his two brothers were held against their will in a backroom by additional accomplices.

After loading the stolen items into their SAPS vehicle, the officers fled the scene.

Shop Owner Captures Video Evidence

Despite being threatened, the shop owner managed to follow the suspects using his private vehicle. In an attempt to gather evidence, he recorded a video of the police vehicle fleeing the scene.

“The shop owner later reported the matter to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit, providing the video as evidence,” Pojie confirmed.

This footage, along with AVL tracking and cell phone records, played a crucial role in the investigation, linking the officers directly to the crime.

Arrests and Charges

On Monday, March 3, 2025, the three constables, aged 28, 28, and 29, were arrested at Nyanga SAPS when they arrived for their night shift.

“They were arrested just before starting their last shift before going on rest days,” police reports stated.

Following a thorough investigation, the case was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved criminal charges against the officers. A warrant of arrest was issued and immediately executed.

The three officers are facing charges of:

• Business robbery
• Pointing of a firearm

They are currently detained at the Mfuleni SAPS police cells and are set to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Police Condemn Corruption and Urge Public to Report Crimes

The provincial commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, strongly condemned the actions of the officers.

“We will not tolerate corruption within SAPS. Those who abuse their positions of power for criminal gain will face the full force of the law,” Patekile stated.

He also urged members of the public to report corrupt activities involving police officials.

“We encourage the public to report any suspicious activity involving SAPS members. You can do so anonymously via the Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701,” he added.

Public Reaction and Concerns About Police Corruption

The arrest of the three officers has sparked outrage and concern among community members, who expect law enforcement to uphold justice rather than engage in crime.

Many South Africans are now questioning the level of corruption within SAPS and whether additional measures should be taken to ensure greater accountability among officers.

While the arrest and prosecution of the three officers is seen as a step in the right direction, public confidence in law enforcement remains shaken.

The case highlights the ongoing battle against corruption within the police force and the importance of citizens holding authorities accountable for their actions.