Busted with Bubbles: Limpopo Cops in Court After Washing Powder Heist

When those meant to enforce the law end up breaking it, trust in the badge begins to fray.

In a bizarre and shameful twist of events, two senior police officers and a cleaner from the Modimolle police station in Limpopo have landed behind bars, not for fighting crime, but for allegedly helping themselves to washing powder from the site of a truck accident.

Yes, you read that right. Washing powder.

Crash, Chaos, and a Cleaning Product Free-for-All

It all started on 14 July 2025, when a delivery truck packed with pallets of washing powder lost control along the R101 near Modimolle. The crash, while unfortunate, drew more than just curious onlookers.

Amid the commotion, Warrant Officers Frans Ndlovu (55) and Lesiba Boya (49) allegedly used a marked SAPS vehicle to scoop up the scattered laundry supplies. Their accomplice? Lucas Moima (50), a general cleaner at the same police station.

While looting from crash scenes isn’t new in South Africa with community members often descending on accident sites to collect fallen goods this time, it wasn’t civilians. It was the police themselves.

The Long Arm of the Law Grabs Its Own

The officers and Moima made a brief appearance in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of theft and defeating the ends of justice. Their bail hearing is set for Friday.

A joint investigation by the Limpopo provincial anti-corruption unit and the Modimolle criminal records centre led to their arrest and the recovery of some of the stolen items. SAPS officials have not disclosed the quantity retrieved, but say they’re still appealing to the public to report any information related to the looting.

“Absolutely Disheartening,” Says SAPS Boss

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Limpopo’s provincial police commissioner, did not mince her words.

“It is extremely disheartening when those entrusted with upholding the law violate that trust. Corruption and criminal behaviour within the ranks of the SAPS will not be tolerated.”

Her statement is in line with ongoing concerns about misconduct within the police force a problem that’s drawn increasing attention from watchdog groups, civil society, and even ordinary South Africans who feel increasingly disillusioned.

A Pattern of Police Corruption?

This isn’t an isolated case. In March, another police officer, this time from Gauteng, was caught in Limpopo with over 2,000 sachets of nyaope and a suspected stolen vehicle. He was arrested near Polokwane during a sting operation. He, too, was armed with his service pistol when intercepted.

These back-to-back incidents suggest a worrying trend, SAPS members being implicated in criminal activities, sometimes while on duty, and using state resources to commit crimes they’re meant to prevent.

Public Trust at a Breaking Point

On social media, the story has triggered a wave of disbelief, dark humour, and outright anger. “Imagine getting arrested by a cop for stealing… by the same guy who helped himself to Surf at a crash,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). Others were less forgiving, calling for internal reviews and dismissals.

For many, the incident is more than just a quirky headline, it’s a reflection of a much deeper issue of accountability and decay in public institutions.

More Than Just a Stain on Uniforms

While the theft of washing powder may seem minor compared to other crimes, it raises serious questions about the state of discipline within police ranks. When officers treat crash scenes like shopping opportunities, what message does that send to the public?

This case will likely reignite calls for greater oversight, stricter disciplinary action, and a cultural shift within SAPS — one that re-emphasizes integrity over impunity.

As the accused await their bail hearing, many South Africans are left wondering: if even the laundry isn’t safe from the law, what is?

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com