The police in Limpopo have arrested three of its own employees, two police officers and a general cleaner, all stationed at Modimolle SAPS — following a joint investigation led by the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Modimolle Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC). The trio has been charged with theft and defeating the ends of justice.
The arrests stem from an incident that occurred on Monday, 14 July 2025, at around 04:20 on the R101 road, approximately 10 kilometres outside Modimolle in the direction of Polokwane. A delivery truck transporting several pallets of washing powder reportedly lost control and veered off the road, causing some of its cargo to spill onto the roadside.
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. Reports suggest that the complainant pleaded with them to assist in stopping the looting, but instead, the officers allegedly joined in, loading a significant amount of washing powder into the SAPS vehicle before driving off — leaving the driver behind as looting continued.
The driver managed to gather key information about the incident and the identities of those involved. The matter was swiftly reported, prompting an in-depth investigation.
On Friday, 18 July 2025, the joint team conducted a search operation, which led to the recovery of some of the stolen items at the residence of one of the police officers. The investigation further linked a third SAPS employee, a general cleaner, to the crime.
All three suspects, aged between 49 and 55, are scheduled to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 July 2025. Investigations are continuing and additional arrests are anticipated.
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned the involvement of SAPS employees in criminal activities:
“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 urge anyone with further information regarding the incident to come forward and report it to their nearest police station or via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
