Local detectives arrested
This week, two arrests proved that while some detectives in our area work hard to catch criminals, others allegedly commit crimes themselves.
According to the national spokesperson of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Mr Robbie Raburabu, police members and members of the community in Bekkersdal in Westonaria arrested two detective sergeants, one from Carletonville and the other from Fochville, on Thursday, 17 August.
“The two police officers allegedly robbed two victims of cash and cell phones. They also allegedly set a fire in Bekkersdal before escaping from the crime scene on foot. Community members gave chase. The police were also called and apprehended and questioned one suspect. While being pursued, he allegedly shot at the police and community members,” says Raburabu.
This suspect, Sgt Simphiwe Phineas Shongoyi from Carletonville, gave up his alleged accomplice, Sgt Pitso Pholoalisema, and a description of his getaway vehicle.
The authorities launched a manhunt and apprehended Pholoalisema at a house on Wulfsohn Street in Fochville soon after that.
Shongoyi and Pholoalisema appeared in the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on charges of robbery, attempted murder and malicious damage to property on Monday, 21 August.
According to Raburabu, the case was postponed until Friday, 25 August for their formal bail application. The two detectives will stay behind bars until the outcome of these applications is known.
