Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has strongly condemned the unethical and corrupt behaviour of a police sergeant who was arrested on Saturday, March 12 on the N2 national road between Kinklebos and Colchester.
According to Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, police spokesperson, the police member was arrested whilst in possession of an illegal firearm and drugs.
“In a multidisciplinary intelligence driven operation conducted at about 09:00, a police Sergeant stationed at Crime Intelligence in East London, was arrested after the Anti-Gang Unit in Gqeberha and Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang Investigation) received and acted upon information that a man driving in a white NP 200 was travelling on the N2 from the direction of Nanaga towards Gqeberha and possibly transporting firearm and drugs,” said Kinana.
The vehicle was spotted and stopped near Kinklebos.
“Upon pulling over and searching the vehicle, an unlicensed revolver, the member’s service pistol (a .38), rounds of ammunition, a digital scale, a laptop, two cellphones, tik (21,1g) and an undisclosed substantial amount of cash was confiscated. The driver was immediately arrested. Initial investigation revealed that the .38 revolver was reported stolen in Walmer in January 2019.”
The 33-year-old police officer is currently detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of drugs.
Lieutenant General Mene has reiterated that corruption and criminal behaviour in any organisation erodes stability and trust that can cause reputational damage to the image of such organisation.
“Every effort must be made to protect the image of the SAPS even if it means exposing those within its ranks. We have repeatedly stated that police officers are not above the law and we are determined to root out corruption wherever and whenever it manifests. These corrupt officers who choose to ignore the SAPS Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics will be arrested and brought to justice,” warned Mene.
The suspect is expected in court once he has been charged. Investigation continues into the circumstances of the incident.
