A police reservist and two community patrollers have been denied bail after being arrested for a robbery involving a diplomat.
The three were arrested in Pretoria for common robbery, extortion and the contravention of diplomatic communities act last Thursday.
Police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe said the trio were denied bail on Monday by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
“According to the complainant (51), who is employed as a driver at the embassy of Gabon, he and a diplomat had parked outside a McDonald’s outlet on the corner Nana Sita and Kgosi Mampuru streets when they were approached by the three,” she said.
Selepe said a police reservist in uniform and two community patrollers attached to the Pretoria Central police station searched the pair and took them to Pretoria central police station.
“The suspects demanded cash from them before taking an undisclosed amount in euros.”
ALSO READ: Police arrested after robbery
Selepe said the victims were released thereafter. “The complainant became suspicious of the conduct of these police officials and reported the incident to the station commander.
“Investigations started immediately and they were arrested on Monday after it became evident that our own members were involved and positively identified.”
ALSO READ: Tshwane Metro police arrested for armed robbery
Station commander for Pretoria Central Brigadier Reinette Pieterse welcomed the arrests.
“This should come as a lesson to those officials who may be involved in corruption-related activities in the SAPS. This will not be tolerated. We will act harshly against police officials who commit crime.”
She urged members of the public to report criminal activities by the police with no fear.
The trio aged between 25 and 31 are expected to appear in court again next week.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
