Police arrested for fraud

The members who stationed at the Flying Squad in White River, are believed to have allowed a minibus which was loaded with four boxes of counterfeit All Star tekkies to an estimated street value of R200 000, to continue with its journey.

Preliminary probe by the police indicated that the kombi, which was travelling on the N4 Highway, was stopped by the constables just approximately 14km outside Nelspruit towards Middelburg.

The members, who were on duty and in uniform, then searched it as a norm and in accordance with the Festive Season Operation.

According to information, it is alleged that they found the illicit goods covered with blankets and questioned the three occupants, two men and a woman regarding the loot.

It is further alleged that the woman was spotted deliberating with the members and subsequently handed over an undisclosed amount of cash to them.

Within a few minutes, after the alleged ordeal, the minibus was back on the road again, however, it was stopped in Middelburg for another routine search by the police.

When they were questioned, the other occupants were quick to divulge the earlier transaction that took place between the woman and the police in Nelspruit which prompted for further scrutiny on the conduct of the constables.

Necessary arrangements to validate the allegations against the constables and the woman were conducted hence the arrest.

The constables aged between 29 and 35, are being questioned regarding this alleged unpalatable conduct and after which, they are expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, pending an identification parade.

The woman, who is 58 years old, is also expected to appear for possession and dealing in illicit goods.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Adv Nogwanya has praised the members in Middelburg who without any hesitation, put into an abrupt end a transaction which was going to increase the selling of illicit goods in the country.

“I applaud the manner in which the operation to arrest these members was carried out by the brave and diligent members in Middelburg and of the HAWKS in Nelspruit, who collaborated effectively in the arrest of their own colleagues.

On Monday, during the management meeting, I reiterated the position of stopping crime even if it means arresting our own regardless of rank, we ought to do so without any fear or favour.

I have also declared the N4 Highway as a no go area for criminals and this is indicative of that statement. Members who are unethical in carrying out their duties will surely face the full might of the law.

I want to caution those members who are thinking that they will use this pick time of the year to cash in through bribes or any other related acts that they will not go far, sooner, we will catch them,” warned Nogwanya.

The internal investigation into the conduct of the members is underway.