Western Cape Police have conducted various crime intelligence-driven operations focusing on members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) allegedly involved in criminal activities within the province.
These operations focused on alleged corrupt relations between SAPS members and other individuals in society. After extensive investigations, three SAPS members were arrested during the course of the past week, spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said on Saturday.
A 34-year-old officer stationed at Parow police station was arrested on Wednesday at his home on charges of corruption, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, and possession of stolen property. He appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The case against him was postponed to September 30 for further investigation. He was released on R5000 bail.
A second police officer, aged 40, was arrested at his home in Strand on Thursday on charges of corruption, dealing in drugs, and possession of drugs. He was stationed at Strand police station, Van Wyk said.
A third SAPS member, aged 50, was arrested on Friday afternoon at his workplace at Macassar police station on charges of corruption, dealing in drugs, and possession of drugs. The second and third suspects would appear in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“As part of the current project, two males were also arrested for dealing in drugs and appeared in the Bellville and Strand Magistrate’s Courts, respectively, earlier during in the week. More arrests of SAPS members are imminent,” Van Wyk said.
Western Cape SAPS management had vowed to root out criminal elements within its ranks. “We trust that these arrests will send a strong message to other would be criminals within the SAPS,” he said.
Members of the community were encouraged to report any corrupt activities anonymously to the SAPS by contacting Crime Stop at 08600-10111. Any information would be treated confidentially.
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