The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has called for stricter penalties against police officers who commit crimes while on duty.
“We cannot have criminals within our ranks who hide behind the badge. Those who undermine our efforts to combat crime must be exposed, arrested, and held accountable,” said Mkhwanazi.
The General reiterated his stance against corruption following the arrest of four officers on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Three Police Constables and one Sergeant were taken into custody in Carolina.
The officers face charges of alleged theft, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. According to reports, the four responded to information regarding a vehicle parked at a guest house in Carolina that was suspected of carrying a large quantity of dagga. Upon inspection, they confirmed that a white Toyota Fortuner contained several bags of the substance.
It is alleged that the officers arranged for a tow truck but, instead of transporting all the confiscated dagga to the nearest police station, diverted some of the bags to a local second-hand dealership in exchange for cash.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the four officers, who are aged between 24 and 43. They are expected to appear at the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 26 March 2026.
