SAPS arrests JMPD officer

On Thursday last week an officer with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JPMD) was arrested by members of the Edenvale SAPS for defeating the ends of justice.

It is believed the JMPD officer concealed and removed a firearm from a crime scene on the N3 on February 19.

JMPD spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, said on the day metro officers saw three men in a Quantam acting suspiciously on the N3 near the Modderfontein Road turn-off.

The officers ordered the men stop and after a search of the vehicle, found an LM6 automatic weapon.

One of the men was arrested at the scene and two others fled.

After a search of the area, officers found a second suspect hiding in the grass.

A total of two firearms were found on the day.

At the time, Supt Minaar said, “we believe this will lead to further arrests”.

Last week, when the Edenvale SAPS officers reviewed video footage supplied by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), they noticed one of the JMPD officers allegedly conceal and remove a third firearm from the scene.

Acting spokesperson for the Edenvale SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Roberts said the firearm allegedly handled by the officer was not handed over to the Edenvale SAPS.

The JMPD officer was arrested at his office in Hillbrow and taken to the Edenvale Police Station where he was charged with defeating the ends of justice.

“We have not yet been able to trace the firearm removed from the scene,” said Lt Col Roberts.

He added that any form of corruption will not be tolerated.