Three Nyanga Police Officers Arrested for Business Robbery in Mfuleni

Three police officers stationed at Nyanga SAPS have been arrested for allegedly robbing a spaza shop in Mfuleni, five months after the crime took place. The constables, aged 28 and 29, reportedly stole cash and cigarettes while on duty and using an official police vehicle.

According to a police incident report, the robbery occurred on 1 October 2024 at a spaza shop in Extension 2, Mfuleni. The officers, dressed in uniform and assigned to the Visible Policing Unit, allegedly took R5,600 in cash and cigarettes valued at R6,930.

Investigators linked the suspects to the crime using Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data and cell phone records, placing them at the scene. The case was initially handled by the Crime Intelligence Division before being transferred to the provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.

The officers were arrested on Monday evening just as they were about to begin their final night shift before going on rest days. Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed that the suspects now face charges of business robbery and pointing a firearm.

Investigations revealed that the accused officers arrived at the Somalian-owned shop around 9 pm, claiming they needed to conduct a search. They then demanded access to a backroom where cash and cigarettes were stored. When the shop owner refused, the officers allegedly drew their firearms and forced him to open the secured storage area.

During the robbery, the shop owner and his two brothers were reportedly held at gunpoint in a separate room by accomplices while the officers loaded cigarettes into the SAPS vehicle before fleeing.

The shop owner managed to follow the suspects in his private vehicle, capturing video evidence of the police vehicle. He later reported the incident to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit, which launched a detailed investigation.

Following a comprehensive probe, the case was presented to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who authorized formal charges against the officers. A warrant of arrest was issued and swiftly executed, leading to their detention at Mfuleni SAPS. They are scheduled to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, strongly condemned the actions of the officers, vowing to root out corruption within the police force. He urged the public to report corrupt activities involving SAPS members anonymously via the Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701.

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