Limpopo Sergeant Arrested for Theft of Recovered Property

Limpopo Police Under Scrutiny: Sergeant Arrested for Theft

In a startling breach of trust, a 51-year-old police sergeant stationed at Haenertsburg police station in Limpopo has been arrested for allegedly stealing recovered property. The Limpopo provincial anti-corruption unit laid charges of theft and defeating the administration of justice against the officer.

The arrest follows a March 2024 police operation where the sergeant and colleagues pursued a suspicious vehicle in Haenertsburg. The chase ended in the Mankweng area after the driver abandoned the vehicle. Inside, officers discovered chainsaws suspected to have been stolen. These items were logged into the SAPS 13 register at Haenertsburg police station.

Allegations of Misconduct

Authorities allege that the sergeant later took two of the chainsaws and sold them for personal profit. The stolen items were eventually recovered, leading to his arrest.

Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest, noting that the investigation was comprehensive. “The provincial anti-corruption unit conducted a thorough investigation, and the case was presented to the senior state prosecutor, who issued a warrant of arrest,” he said. The warrant was formally served to the sergeant on 26 September 2025.

The officer is set to appear at the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on 24 October 2025.

SAPS Leadership Responds

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Limpopo’s provincial commissioner, condemned the officer’s alleged conduct. “The SAPS does not tolerate corruption or criminal behaviour within its ranks,” Hadebe said, reinforcing a commitment to rooting out misconduct.

This incident adds to a worrying pattern. In July, IOL reported that two police officers and a cleaner at Modimolle police station were charged with looting washing powder from a truck that had overturned on the R101. The accused, Warrant Officers Frans Ndlovu and Lesiba Boya, and cleaner Lucas Moimaallegedly used a marked SAPS vehicle to take advantage of the chaos.

Public and Social Media Reaction

The latest arrest has sparked frustration among Limpopo residents, with many taking to social media to voice disappointment at repeated incidents of police corruption. On Twitter, one user commented: “When those meant to uphold the law steal from the public, it destroys trust. Limpopo deserves better.”

Others highlighted the broader implications for police credibility, pointing out that such incidents undermine public confidence in law enforcement and fuel concerns about internal accountability.

A Pattern of Corruption

Observers note that while SAPS leadership has taken steps to address corruption, repeated incidents suggest systemic weaknesses in oversight. The Haenertsburg arrest and the earlier Modimolle case underscore the ongoing challenge of ensuring accountability in policing.

As the legal process unfolds, the public and media will be watching closely, demanding transparency and swift justice. For Limpopo communities, these cases serve as a reminder that corruption within law enforcement can have real consequences for safety and public trust.

{Source: The Citizen}

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