The efforts to root out rogue elements within the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal were intensified and during an operation on Thursday, 28 March 2024, a 39-year-old police Sergeant was arrested after he was found in possession of suspected stolen livestock as well as unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Police officers who specialize in stock theft in Pietermaritzburg, working together with the Pietermaritzburg Tactical Response Team (TRT) were conducting an operation at Trustfeed in the New Hanover area when the Sergeant and two shepherds, aged 22 and 55 years old, were arrested.
The suspects were found in possession of 40 goats, seven cattle (which were reported stolen in Mooi River in December 2023), six firearms and several ammunition of various caliber of firearms.
The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has issued a stern warning to police officers who use their position within the South African Police Service to commit crime, that they are walking on thin ice and that their days are numbered. “We have a big fight on our hands, and that is the fight against brazen criminals. What we cannot afford is to have our own members working against us and we shall ensure that any police officer who is found to be stepping on the other side of the law is met with the maximum disciplinary action which will also be a deterrent to others”, said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.
The three suspects will appear in court soon.
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