POLOKWANE – The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrest of six (06) police officers attached to Tshamutumbu police station in the Vhembe District during a blitz operation conducted today, Friday 25 November 2022.

The “take down operation” was led by the Deputy Provincial  Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection Major General Samuel Manala assisted by the Provincial Head of Organised Crime Brigadier Sakie Brancon and Lieutenant Colonel Norman Malungane as well as other members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.

These arrests are a culmination of intense investigations following receipt of several complaints from the public about police officials who were deployed along the border line being involved in corrupt activities by assisting the syndicates involved in illicit cigarettes smuggling.

The members allegedly created a safe passage for the smugglers to enter the country illegally and in possession of illicit cigarettes in exchange for gratifications and bribes.

These activities reportedly occurred for a prolonged period by the members who enriched themselves at the expense of the state resources.

A lengthy investigation was conducted by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit resulting in a joint operation conducted by the members of the Provincial Detectives, Organised Crime and Crime Intelligence together with the Tactical Response Team Unit (TRT) to apprehend 02 Warrant Officers, 03 Sergeants and a Constable. The members were at work and some at their homes in Musina and Thohoyandou policing precincts respectively.

The suspects aged between 31 and 55 are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday 28 November 2022.

Police investigations are continuing.

Source: South African Police Service