BLOEMFONTEIN – A senior officer attached to the Free State Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit is remanded in custody after being re-arrested by the provincial Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit regarding a complex case.
Warrant Officer Ferdinand Jacobus van Vuuren (58) is expected to reappear in the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court for a bail application on 8 December.
He appeared briefly in court on Monday, 1 December after being re-arrested by the Bethlehem Hawks Investigation unit on 28 November in connection with a case under investigation. Van Vuuren is attached to the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, which is based in Fouriesburg.
The Hawks reported he was initially arrested in November for possession of an unlicensed firearm. He was apparently released on warning after appearing in court.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said intelligence-driven information was received regarding the detective’s suspected wrongdoing. Further investigation uncovered prima facie evidence, leading to Van Vuuren’s re-arrest.
“During the search, South African Police Service (SAPS) exhibit bags were found. They contained cellphones, used buccal samples, dockets not yet finalised, police registers, and ammunition. All exhibits were seized for further investigation,” said Matoti. She said the investigator had obtained a search warrant to conduct a search at the suspect’s residence.
Matoti said Van Vuuren faced charges of illegal possession of ammunition and suspected possession of stolen property.
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