Lephalale police sergeant, accomplice in court for car hijacking
The sergeant together with an accomplice were involved in an alleged car jacking incident on the R572 over the weekend
LIMPOPO – A 37 year old Police Sergeant, together with his 34-year-old accomplice today appeared before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on charges of car hijacking and defeating the ends of justice.
The sergeant who is attached to the K9 unit in Lephalale and his accomplice were arrested over the weekend on a charge of car hijacking, said Police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
“It is alleged the duo forced a vehicle with three occupants, to stop along the R572 road on Saturday morning by using the sergeant’s appointment certificate and a hand gun. After ordering the victims out of their vehicle, they allegedly robbed them their cell phones, money and then left the scene with both vehicles.”
The suspects later arrived at the Witpoort Police Station in both vehicles and handed themselves over to the authorities. They were immediately arrested on a charge of car hijacking and after a thorough search, the police found lion claws and teeth and money in both the Botswana and South African currencies in the hijacked vehicle, he added.
The two suspects have been remanded in custody until 9 November for a formal bail application.
Police investigations into the origin and destination of the lion teeth and claws are already unfolding, he concluded.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has commended the members for the arrest of the two. He continued to warn community members, including police members, that the law will be applied impartially and without compromise. “ When confronting criminality, we will be resolute and merciless in our approach , regardless who is involved,” concluded General Ledwaba.
