Limpopo police sergeant arrested in Boyne following shootout with police
The officer, who was found in possession of drugs, is one of 14 suspects arrested during recent Safer Festive Season Operations.
LIMPOPO – A 38-year-old police sergeant is currently in hospital following a shootout with police in the Mankweng policing area.
The sergeant was involved in a shootout with police after he shot at them, after he failed to pull over when he was stopped at Boyne, along the R71.
“A car chase ensued and the officer shot at the police, who returned fire and injured the officer. An unknown number of suspects got out of the vehicle and fled, however, the sergeant was arrested by members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol Unit,” Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, said in a statement.
Mojapelo explained that the vehicle the officer drove in was searched, and that police confiscated sachets of drugs, a service pistol, as well as three magazines with ammunition.
“The intensification of Safer Festive Season Operations continues to yield positive results as 14 suspects, which includes the sergeant, were arrested during the operations that were conducted since Monday, 14 December until this morning,” Mojapelo added.
The police sergeant will face charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of drugs, reckless and negligent handling of a firearm and reckless and negligent driving.
“The other suspects were arrested on charges of business robbery, possession of suspected stolen properties, possession of house breaking implements, stock theft, illegal hunting, perjury, possession of fraudulent documents, dealing in drugs and the possession of illicit cigarettes,” he explained.
The operations were conducted across the province and plasma TV sets, microwaves, printers, music systems, illicit cigarettes and various drugs were confiscated.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Maj Gen Jan Scheepers, applauded the members for their endless efforts in fighting crime and ensuring the safety of all citizens and visitors. The suspects, aged between 25 and 43, are expected to appear in various magistrate’s courts soon.
