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(Duncan Alfreds, News24, file)
- Four policemen were arrested for their alleged involvement in a business robbery in Cape Town.
- According to the police, a state vehicle was allegedly used during the commission of the crime.
- Western Cape Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz said the arrests sent a strong message to criminals in the police service.
The Acting Commissioner of the National Police, Lieutenant General Sindile Mfazi, calls for the acceleration of departmental disciplinary proceedings against four officers arrested on Sunday for their alleged involvement in a commercial robbery in Cape Town.
According to police, the four – a warrant officer, two sergeants and a police officer – were arrested by Milnerton detectives.
They were tracked down after being linked to a commercial robbery at a warehouse in Montague Gardens on Saturday.
Investigations also revealed that the four used a state vehicle during the commission of the crime.
The officers appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates Court and were released on bail of 1,000 rand.
“The arrest of our own is disappointing, to say the least. However, the capture of our own members is indicative that the criminality of SAPS members is neither tolerated nor tolerated. We also applaud the members, who carried out the arrests. , for their bravery and fighting crime and corruption by members within our ranks, “said Mfazi.
Police have not ruled out further arrests.
The Western Cape Community Security MEC Albert Fritz also welcomed the arrests.
He said he sent a strong message to criminals in the police service.
According to the community security department, the target business was owned by a member of the Chinese community.
Fritz said:
“This particular incident left members of the Chinese community feeling targeted by criminal elements and concerned about police involvement. We have previously seen similar incidents of Chinese businessmen being kidnapped and held for ransom. We must continue to ensure that measures such as These arrests are made because they send a strong message to potential criminals targeting both businessmen and members of the Chinese community. “
Fritz said an eight-member union was previously arrested, including the kingpin. He said they were arrested in connection with five kidnappings and an attempted kidnapping of members of the Chinese business community. It happened between July and November.
The MEC added that all of the suspects in the matter are currently in custody, and their request for bail is expected to be heard on January 22, 2021.
“I wish to reassure members of the Chinese and business community that their safety is of the utmost importance to us. We need to encourage and support businesses in the province for our economy to recover.
“My departmental officials continue to participate in weekly meetings of the steering committee on business extortion in the province and I am very satisfied with the results and the progress made to date,” said Fritz.
