Mankweng: The members of Mankweng Crime Prevention were busy conducting visible policing patrols along R71 road when they spotted a suspicious white Mercedes Benz sedan on Friday, 11 April 2025. Members attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the driver failed to stop, leading to a high-speed chase until it was found abandoned at Ga-Magoa village with no occupants found.
According to South African Police Service, while busy searching, a large quantity of cigarette boxes were discovered, and the vehicle was towed to Mankweng Police Station to be kept as an exhibit along with the cigarettes. During the process of offloading the cigarettes, two SAPS members were spotted taking some of the cigarettes into one of their private vehicles. The matter was reported, prompting a search.
Cigarette boxes meant to be exhibits were found inside the vehicles of a 55-year-old Warrant Officer and a 41-year-old Sergeant. Both officers were arrested for theft and corruption charges. The two police officers are scheduled to appear in Mankweng Magistrate Court on Monday, 14 April 2025.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrest and vowed to intensify the fight against corruption. “We will stop at nothing to root out corruption within the ranks of law enforcement. The law must take its course without fear or favour,” stated Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.