KZN cops arrested over cash theft
October 2011
By Yogas Nair
Five policemen, who arrested two criminals wanted for a spate of armed robberies in KwaZulu-Natal, could have been content with the recognition of a job well done.
Instead, they allegedly stole R67 000 of the money they recovered during the sting operation and, considering the serious nature of the offence, could face dismissal after an inquiry.
Four policemen from the Umhlali Dog Unit and one Crime Intelligence Unit member are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges of theft and corruption.
They were arrested on Thursday by Shane Smith and Peter George of the Organised Crime Unit in Cato Manor.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel, Vincent Mdunge confirmed the arrests and said it was an embarrassment to the SAPS.
“This is a slap in the face to us. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. We want to send out a strong message that all rotten potatoes in the SAPS will be rooted out. We will not give them space to breathe. This is really unacceptable.”
Mdunge said the drama had unfolded on Monday after members of the Dog Unit received information from the Crime Intelligence Unit regarding the whereabouts of two wanted armed robbers in the Maphumulo area, just outside KwaDukuza.
A police source said the suspects were wanted for a spate of robberies in the province. This included a cash in transit heist in May where a private KwaDukuza Security company transporting a substantial amount of cash came under fire from the suspects. It is believed more than R500 000 was stolen at the time.
Mdunge said the Umhlali Dog Unit, together with the Crime Intelligence member, had set up a sting operation on Monday night. They arrested both suspects, recovered a substantial amount of cash and the vehicle that was allegedly used in the cash-in-transit heist.
The policemen then handed over the suspects to the Organised Crime Unit in Cato Manor.
But, minutes after getting a pat on the back from their superiors for their good work, the policemen decided to steal the loot and share it.
It has been alleged that the policemen went to the KwaDukuza SAPS, where they made a written entry in the exhibit register that only R3 000 had been recovered from the suspects.
In an attempt not to get caught, one of the members who made the false entry in the register forged the signature of one of the investigating officers from the Organised Crime Unit – Cato Manor.
The policemen were caught after the two robbery suspects disclosed, during interrogation, how much they had in their possession – R70 000.
“During the interrogation, the members from the Organised Crime Unit realised that the books were not balancing. The amount that was recorded at KwaDukuza SAPS appeared to be far lower,” Mdunge said.
He said the policemen had been contacted on Wednesday and had admitted to taking the money. “They surrendered about R30 000 to the investigating officers. But the balance could not be traced.”
A source said the arrested policemen claimed to be in financial difficulties and had spent the money. The two robbery suspects are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court today. - Daily News, page 3
yogas.nair@inl.co.za
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