Three police officers in court for an alleged cellphone robbery

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Three police officers arrested for allegedly robbing a man at a filling station in Welkom are expected to appear in the local magistrate’s court today.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says a preliminary investigation revealed that the two Constables and a Sergeant pulled over a vehicle and ordered the driver to step out. The man refused and drove to the nearest filling station, with the officers following him.

Mathe says the officers then allegedly grabbed the victim’s cellphone and sped off.

The suspects were traced to Gauteng, where they were arrested by the Welkom Serious and Violent Crime Unit and the Gauteng Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Investigations Unit (FCS).

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, welcomed the arrest of the three police officers and ensured that internal departmental disciplinary proceedings would be expedited.

Images circulating on social media show two men and a woman wearing SAPS bulletproof vests and an SAPS mask. A white Polo sedan allegedly used by the officers can also be seen with flashing blue lights.

Masemola condemned the behaviour of these members and welcomed their arrests.

“We condemn this behaviour and don’t condone acts of criminality and corruption within our ranks. We will continue to deal decisively with those who do not abide by the SAPS code of conduct without fear or favour,” said Masemola.

#sapsHQ The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service(SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has welcomed the arrest of three police officers following a robbery of a victim at an Engen garage in Welkom, Free State. General Masemola has also ensured that internal… pic.twitter.com/gelfYuEaHt

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 13, 2024