A Somerset West resident and former police officer appeared in the East London Magistrates’ Court on Monday (22 September) after his arrest at his Helderberg home for allegedly selling classified police documents.
Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Gqeberha, confirmed Dillon Klaasen was arrested at his Somerset West home on Wednesday 17 September.
The 38-year-old faces charges of corruption, defeating the ends of justice and unauthorised disclosure of information.
The arrest was conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in a joint operation with the Western Cape Organised Crime Component.
The former officer previously served as a constable at Kleinmond Police Station before being dishonourably dismissed from the police service.
According to the Hawks investigation, Klaasen allegedly committed his betrayal in 2023, when he illicitly obtained confidential documents linked to a classified priority project.
“Klaasen was once entrusted with the responsibilities of policing while stationed in Kleinmond, but in 2023 he allegedly committed a shocking betrayal,” said Mhlakuvana.
“Instead of upholding the values of service and integrity, the suspect reportedly and deliberately sold the documents to the target known as Bolt, who was under investigation.”
Evidence gathered by the Hawks revealed Klaasen had allegedly travelled to East London to meet “Bolt”, who arranged the former officer’s travel and accommodation.
At this meeting Klaasen allegedly handed over the sensitive documents in exchange for R10 000 cash.
“Bolt”, who resided in East London, has since died.
The investigation led Hawks officers to trace Klaasen to his Somerset West home, where he was arrested and subsequently transported to East London for court proceedings.
Major-General Obed Ngwenya, head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, applauded the joint team for apprehending the suspect.
“Klaasen’s actions were not only compromising a critical investigation but also undermined the integrity of law enforcement agencies,” Ngwenya said.
Following Klaasen’s brief court appearance, the case was postponed to Tuesday 23 September for a formal bail application.
The outcome of the appearance was not known at the time of going to print.
