A 44-year-old police officer, based in Gauteng has been arrested in Limpopo after he was found in possession of nyaope drugs and a suspected stolen vehicle.
The police officer was intercepted on Wednesday while driving along the N1 South freeway, outside Polokwane, according to provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.
“The police constable from Silverton detectives component was found in possession of 2,095 sachets of nyaope, worth approximately R85,000 and was driving a suspected stolen Nissan NP200 with Gauteng registration plates,” said Mashaba.
“The vehicle was intercepted near Shell Ultra City during an intelligence-driven operation by the provincial anti-smuggling unit, jointly with Tshimollo private security.”
The police officer was armed with his service pistol, which was confiscated during his arrest.
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the swift arrest of the accused police officer.
Hadebe has issued a stern warning, cautioning that “any police officer who chooses to break the law will face severe consequences”.
“The arrest of this officer should send a clear warning that no one is above the law,” she added.
The embattled police officer was detained at Westenburg police station and will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
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The law enforcement agent has been charged for dealing in drugs and possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.
On Wednesday, IOL reported that Colonel Logan Govender, the station commander of the Norwood police station, was arrested by the Gauteng Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.
The charges against him include theft, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice, all linked to the alleged illegal confiscation of goods worth R165,000.
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IOL