The stolen cellphone was issued to the officer and is state property.
According to Capt Joep Joubert, spokesperson for the Brakpan Police Station commander, the accident took place during the early morning hours of October 9, along Athlone Avenue, in Dalview.
Det-W/O Abram Johannes Botha (45), from the Germiston Organised Crime Unit, was travelling alone in a state motor vehicle when the accident occurred.
“No other vehicles were involved and Botha died on impact,” said Joubert.
“Emergency services personnel and members of the Brakpan SAPS attended the scene.
“Later it was found that the official cellphone issued to Botha was missing.”
Joubert told the Herald that Botha’s wife received a phone call later that day from her husband’s state cellphone number.
“The caller introduced himself, giving his name, and said he was a paramedic.
“The wife then told one of her husband’s senior colleagues at the Germiston Organised Crime Unit about the call.
“The colleague was able to obtain a contact number for the man, who was found to be a tow truck driver, employed at a towing company in Benoni.”
Botha’s colleague visited the company’s premises and found the man in possession of the missing state cellphone.
“The tow truck driver was arrested and a case of theft was made against him,” said Joubert.
“He appeared in court on November 19, when the case was postponed.”
The man is due to appear in the Brakpan Magistrates Court on December 14.
“It is shocking to think of items being taken from a deceased person,” said Joubert.
“It is expected of every person to help the injured and show compassion for the dead.
“Life is not about sitting and waiting for the opportunity to enrich yourself.”
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