BETHLEHEM – A senior officer attached to the Free State Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit currently under investigation for a serious complex case is expected to reappear in the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court today(Monday, 8 December) for a bail application. Warrant Officer Ferdinand Jacobus van Vuuren (58) has been remanded in custody since he was re-arrested on 28 November.
The police officer first appeared last Monday, 1 December, in connection with this complex criminal case which is under investigation. Van Vuuren is currently attached to the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, which is based in Fouriesburg. He was arrested by the Bethlehem Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said Van Vuuren faced charges of illegal possession of ammunition and suspected possession of stolen property. She said the officer was re-arrested after intelligence-driven information was received regarding the detective’s suspected serious wrongdoing. Further investigation uncovered prima facie evidence, leading to Van Vuuren’s re-arrest.
Matoti said during the search, South African Police Service (SAPS) exhibit bags were found. She said the bags contained cell phones, 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.
The Hawks reported that Van Vuuren was initially arrested in November for possession of an unlicensed firearm. He was apparently released on warning after appearing in court.
