The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has arrested three police officers, including one woman, after separate investigations into allegations of theft and corruption.
“The arrests were effected on Wednesday by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, assisted by the Polokwane Tactical Response Team, following thorough investigations into allegations of criminal conduct,” the police said in a statement.
According to reports, a 46-year-old male police officer is facing two counts of theft, following allegations that a complainant's bank card was unlawfully obtained while the complainant was in police custody. Burgersfort SAPS registered the case in December 2023.
The accused is expected to make his first appearance at the Praktiseer Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
The subsequent investigation established that two withdrawals, totalling R9 000, were made from the complainant's bank account.
The matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who directed that the police official be charged with two counts of theft. A J50 warrant of arrest was subsequently issued, and the suspect was arrested.
In the second incident, two police officials, aged 33 and 47, are facing allegations of corruption relating to the unlawful solicitation and receipt of R1 000 from a foreign national.
“It is alleged that the complainant was taken to his place of residence after police officials attended to a complaint involving a suspected counterfeit R200 banknote. The officials allegedly demanded R1 000 from the complainant in exchange for not arresting him for allegedly being in the country [illegally].
“The money was subsequently handed over to the police officials, after which the complainant was released. The case was registered at Ohrigstad SAPS in August 2026,” the police said.
The matter was investigated by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit and referred to the Control Prosecutor for a decision. J50 warrants of arrest were subsequently issued against both police officials.
The two accused were arrested and are expected to appear in Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court today.
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, welcomed the arrests and commended the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for their diligent investigations.
The Provincial Commissioner reiterated that SAPS members are expected to uphold the law and conduct themselves with the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
“SAPS in Limpopo will continue to take decisive action against members who are alleged to abuse their positions of authority for personal gain," said Scheepers.
Members of the public are encouraged to report allegations of corruption, theft and other forms of misconduct involving police officials through the appropriate SAPS reporting channels. – SAnews.gov.za
