Two members of a Johannesburg-registered security company were arrested on Thursday afternoon at Stoneridge Shopping Centre in Edenvale.
One of the men, who lives in Yeoville, Johannesburg, was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The other man arrested, who identified himself as the owner of the security business, was arrested on charges of bribery after he offered police officers R1 400 to not arrest his employee.
The arrests were made by members of the Benoni Flying Squad after a tip-off was received.
According to Constable Tefo Khahlise, of the Benoni Flying Squad, information was passed to his team that a security officer working for a business at Stoneridge Shopping Centre was in possession of a firearm.
“When we arrived, we identified the security guard from a description given. He was searched and the firearm was found,” said Const Khahlise.
Further investigation revealed that the serial numbers for the firearm had been removed.
“We asked the man where he received the gun from and he said it did not belong to him. He said he was only using it,” said Const Khahlise.
The man was asked to call the person who gave him the firearm and he contacted his boss.
The security company boss agreed to meet police officers at the Edenvale Police Station.
“When he arrived at the police station, the man said he rented the firearm from a friend and offered us R1 400 to not arrest his employee. He was placed under arrest for attempting to bribe a police officer,” said Const Khahlise.
Further investigations by the Edenvale SAPS Crime Intelligence Office revealed that the firearm recovered was taken during a house robbery in Everton in January 2011.
The acting spokesperson for the Edenvale SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Roberts, congratulated the officers from Benoni’s Flying Squad on the arrest.
“The work done in following up the tip-off received is commendable. We also want to thank the community member who reported the security officer to authorities,” said Lt Col Roberts.
Lt Col Roberts issued a stern warning to anyone who believes they could get away with bribing a police officer.
“It just goes to show that someone cannot always bribe a police officer. We urge everyone to not attempt bribing members of the SAPS under any circumstances. Such charges are serious and can result in hefty jail terms,” he said.
One Comment