Four police officers from Cape Town, South Africa, faced corruption charges in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on October 4, following their alleged involvement in an R20 million (about N1,873,507,786.80 when converted to the Nigerian currency on Saturday) jewellery heist that took place last month.
According to South Africa’s Independent Online, popularly known as IOL, the officers are believed to be part of a larger group of eight who reportedly used their official South African Police Services (SAPS) uniforms and vehicles to carry out home robberies in an affluent neighbourhood.
Four of the eight officers involved in the scheme have now been apprehended.
According to reports, the officers visited the residence of a wealthy Nigerian under the pretense of searching for a wanted individual. Instead, they stole jewellery worth R20 million. In their haste, the robbers left fingerprints scattered throughout the house while pilfering items such as Rolex watches, gold bracelets, emeralds, and ivory pieces.
The suspects were dressed in full police uniforms and used official vehicles during the robbery, albeit with fake license plates. Their downfall came when SAPS’s tracking system pinpointed them at the crime scene.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were being investigated by the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
He noted, “On September 14 at about 1:35 am, a house robbery occurred at the premises of a foreign national in Sunset Avenue, Llandudno, allegedly involving several police officers. This case was reported at Hout Bay police and transferred to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation.”
He further elaborated that investigations by experienced detectives led to the arrests over time.
He said,“A 44-year-old sergeant was arrested on the same day at 35 Squadron in Belhar, and later a 28-year-old constable was apprehended at Gugulethu SAPS. Both appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on September 17, with the case then postponed to October 3 for a bail application.”
Van Wyk indicated that further investigations resulted in the arrest of a 33-year-old sergeant in Bellville two days later, and a 38-year-old sergeant at Philippi SAPS on October 2, linked to the crime scene via fingerprints.
Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile commended the investigation team for their work, emphasizing the responsibility of police officers to uphold the law and protect the public. “Let this serve as a warning to those who think they can abuse the resources of the state for their disgraceful purposes,” he stated.
The Western Cape Provincial Community Police Forum (CPF) Board condemned the officers’ actions. Spokesperson Justin Kumlehn remarked, “This shameful betrayal of trust not only violates the oath these officers took to serve and protect but also undermines the crucial relationship between the police and the communities they are sworn to safeguard. Corruption among law enforcement officials breaks the bond of trust between the police and the community.”
Kiki Loubser, Chairperson of the Llandudno Special Ratings Area, confirmed awareness of the incident, stating, “We are cooperating with Hout Bay Neighbourhood Watch Community Crime Prevention Unit and SAPS and have faith that the situation will be dealt with appropriately.”
