For Business Robbery
Three police constables from the Nyanga SAPS have been arrested for allegedly robbing a spaza shop in Mfuleni’s Extension 2 on 1 October 2024.
The shocking crime, committed while the officers were on duty, has raised serious concerns about corruption within law enforcement.
According to a police report, the officers—aged 28, 28, and 29—arrived at the Somali-owned shop in their official SAPS vehicle and, under the pretense of conducting a search, demanded access to a backroom where cash and cigarettes were stored. When the shop owner refused, they allegedly drew their firearms and forced him to comply.
The suspects made off with R5,600 in cash and cigarettes worth R6,930, loading the stolen goods into their police vehicle before driving away. However, the shop owner managed to follow them in his private car and recorded a video of their getaway, which was later submitted to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed that a detailed investigation, including cellphone records and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) tracking, placed the suspects at the crime scene. Following this, the case was handed over to the Anti-Corruption Unit, which secured arrest warrants.
The officers were arrested at Nyanga SAPS on Monday night as they reported for duty. They are currently being held at Mfuleni SAPS and are set to appear at the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court on charges of business robbery and pointing a firearm.
This incident has intensified public concerns about police misconduct. In a similar case last year, seven officers from Ekurhuleni were arrested for assault, aggravated robbery, and stealing over R200,000 from a business.
The South African Police Service has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption, vowing to hold rogue officers accountable.
