NELSPRUIT – A 44-year-old police sergeant attached to the Secunda Flying Squad in Mpumalanga, arrested in connection with the alleged hijacking of a diesel truck, is set to appear before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Monday (7 September). The officer has been remanded in custody following his arrest by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Mpumalanga.

Colonel Mavela Masondo, provincial spokesperson for Mpumalanga police, confirmed the alleged rogue member’s arrest yesterday – Friday morning based on prima facie evidence from the investigation into the hijacking incident early in May in Bethal. He said the officer faces charge of truck hijacking. He joins the four accused already appearing in court regarding the truck hijacking.

Masondo said investigators made their first major breakthrough in July by tracking down and arresting four suspects linked directly to the crime. “It is reported that a diesel truck was hijacked in Bethal on 2 May,” he said. Masondo said the case was escalated to the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation.

“The team made a breakthrough where four suspects were subsequently arrested in July. Further investigation revealed that a police officer may have been involved in the planning of the hijacking. A warrant of arrest was issued against the sergeant and was successfully executed by the astute members,” said Masondo.

The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, has commended the members of the Organised Crime Investigation Unit for a breakthrough in cases of diesel truck hijackings in the province. “The arrest of one of our own members is clear proof that we act without fear or favour and that no one is above the law. One should say it is disappointing and regrettable, but this should send a clear message that we can never tolerate criminality within our ranks. It also demonstrates that the SAPS is committed to cleaning its own house without fear or favour,” said Modise. She has strongly warned that members who dare to be involved in corrupt activities within the ranks will not be spared.

“We commend the Organised Crime Investigation team for their thorough investigation which led to this arrest, and we assure the public that we will continue to act decisively against any member who betrays the badge and brings the Service into disrepute,” said Modise.

In August alone, three incidents of diesel truck hijackings across Mpumalanga were recorded. Anti-hijacking teams and Delmas Crime Prevention units spotted a suspicious white truck and tanker being escorted by a grey Toyota Fortuner along the N12 near Arbor. After a vehicle chase, police intercepted the trucks and recovered 4,500 litres of suspected stolen diesel. Two suspects were arrested. Two additional incidents involve commercial trucks transporting diesel.