A criminal case against four (4) policeman has been registered at the Umhlali SAPS after they robbed a Security Officer during a bogus stop and search operation on the M4 near Zimbali Coastal Resort in Ballito – KZN yesterday morning
At approximately 01:58 (Thursday 13/08/2020) a member of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded to the location of the Security Officer who claimed that he was robbed by four policemen. He informed Reaction Officers that while travelling on the M4 he noticed a white branded SAPS vehicle and a second silver unmarked Toyota Etios parked on the side of the road.
He was gestured to pull over by an individual dressed in police uniform. Two other individuals were dressed in the same uniform while a fourth individual was attired in brown cargo pants and a black bulletproof vest.
The victim was asked to alight from his vehicle when one of the men drew a firearm and pointed it at him. The suspect dressed in the brown cargo pants searched the Security Officer and removed R280 in cash from his pocket while the three others held him at gunpoint. When questioned regarding their actions one policeman began assaulting the victim while his accomplice kept his weapon pointed at him. Two (2) other Officers stood by and watched and did not intervene. He also claimed that they reeked of alcohol and during the assault asked for more money.
During the robbery, the policemen informed the victim that they were not from the area and were the mafia. At one stage they threatened to shoot the man and dump his body in the canefields. He was warned not to register a criminal case or they would track him down and “deal” with him.
During the incident, the victim caught a glimpse of a Naidoo name badge and epaulettes with sergeant rank. The Officer quickly covered up the identification when he realized it was exposed. The second suspect was described as a fair Indian or Coloured male who spoke with an Indian accent. The two other policemen who stood by without assisting were also Indian males. The victim was unable to obtain the registration numbers of the SAPS vehicles. The name of the Police Station that generally appears on branded vehicles was missing from the fully marked vehicle.
The victim is convinced that the men who attacked and robbed him were Police Officers and not impersonators. He also confirmed that he can identify all four suspects who were present.
The victim sought assistance from the Umhlali SAPS who confirmed that just one (1) Sgt Naidoo was on duty and did not match the description. The SAPS were convinced that the suspect policeman was from another area and performing duties or using the police vehicle privately in the Umhlali Policing Area.
A case of armed robbery has been registered at the Umhlali SAPS and the complainant will be seeking assistance from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).