Three constables stationed at the Major Offences Reaction Team were arrested on Thursday when they reported for duty, the SAPS said on Sunday. Photo: Supplied / SAPS Three constables stationed at the Major Offences Reaction Team were arrested on Thursday when they reported for duty, the SAPS said on Sunday. Photo: Supplied / SAPS
Cape Town – Three Western Cape police officers, aged between 28 and 30, are due to appear in the Somerset West Magistrate's Court on Monday to face several serious charges levelled against them, including armed robbery and kidnapping.
Three constables stationed at the Major Offences Reaction Team were arrested on Thursday when they reported for duty, the SAPS said on Sunday.
"The Anti-Corruption Unit conducted an investigation against the members for armed robbery, defeating the ends of justice and kidnapping for an incident on July 21.
"It is alleged that the members, while performing their official duties in Somerset West, pulled over a the driver of a minibus taxi who was illegally transporting poached abalone from Hermanus to Cape Town.
"One of the police members drove the taxi to his residence, where the abalone was allegedly offloaded.
"The driver was dropped off not far from where he was kidnapped and instructed to go back to Hermanus.
"While walking towards Sir Lowry’s Pass, he discovered his vehicle without the abalone. The matter was reported to police and the investigation led us to the members," the SAPS said.
Western Cape acting provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi welcomed the arrest of the three members and said that "there is no space for criminals in our service. The Western Cape community will be served only by honest and loyal police officers".
