PARKTOWN – Gauteng Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the provincial Anti-Corruption Unit on the arrest of a 43-year-old male Constable from the Silverton K9 unit, confirming the SAPS’ zero-tolerance to corruption by members.
This arrest comes after allegations of corruption were brought to the attention of the SAPS provincial management by producers of an investigative-journalism-related television series in November 2020. Lieutenant General Mawela at the time commissioned an urgent departmental investigation into the allegations, as well as a probe by the provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.
It was alleged by the complainant that his motor vehicle had been stolen during house burglary in December 2019 in Pretoria. The complainant further reported that he was contacted in January 2020 and advised by police members that his vehicle had been recovered and that he needed to bring R20 000-00 in cash for the release of his car. There was a subsequent exchange of money between the complainant and the arrested member, upon which the vehicle was returned to the complainant.
The member is expected to make his first appearance today, 17 December 2020 in the Pretoria Magistrate Court after the Anti-Corruption team was able to gather sufficient evidence towards a prosecutable case. He will be facing charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
At this point, the arrest of more suspects cannot be ruled out as investigations into organised vehicle theft relating to this case and in general, intensify.
The departmental investigation continues and will in fact be strengthened by the outcome of the investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit.
“It is heart-warming to note the commitment by a majority of our members who remain resolute in the SAPS’ strife to restore public confidence and trust in the Service,” said the Provincial Commissioner.
Victims of vehicle theft and hijackings are reminded and urged to resist the temptation of paying anyone, let alone members of the SAPS, for the release of stolen or hijacked cars. This is an unlawful act and in fact, victims could find themselves arrested for being accomplices in acts of corruption.