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POPCRU ‘shocked’ as Woodstock police officer arrested on drug charges

Published

2 weeks ago

August 21, 2025

Chiraag

POPCRU reacts police arrest, Woodstock SAPS drug raid, Ruyterwacht drug bust, Goodwood Magistrates Court hearing, SAPS corruption concerns, Joburg ETC

POPCRU responds to troubling Woodstock arrest

Trust in South Africa’s police service has once again been tested. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in the Western Cape has voiced its shock following the arrest of a Woodstock SAPS sergeant during a drug raid in Ruyterwacht.

According to SAPS, Public Order Policing officers carried out a late-night operation on Zoetendal Street on 19 August 2025. Acting on information, they recovered 255 mandrax tablets, along with smaller amounts of cocaine, tik, crushed mandrax, and dagga. Officers also seized cash believed to be linked to drug sales and three rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Two suspects were taken into custody, one of them the policewoman attached to Woodstock station. Both are expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court on charges of drug dealing and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Union calls for integrity within SAPS

POPCRU provincial secretary Mluleki Mbhele described the arrest as deeply concerning. In a statement, the union urged officers to steer clear of criminal behaviour that erodes the community’s trust in law enforcement.

“This incident is unfortunate, and we call on all SAPS members to desist from participating in criminal activities that will lead them to be arrested. The communities put trust in the police for their protection,” Mbhele said.

He added that the matter is now sub judice, and the union will refrain from commenting further until legal processes have concluded.

Vetting and lifestyle audits under spotlight

Beyond the immediate shock, POPCRU highlighted the ongoing rollout of vetting and lifestyle audits for police officers. The process requires certain members, particularly those in senior management roles, to obtain security clearance.

Mbhele stressed that while the union supports accountability, it will closely monitor the process to ensure it is not misused as a tool for victimisation within SAPS ranks.

Public reaction and wider implications

The arrest has stirred public concern on social media, where many users voiced frustration at seeing those sworn to protect communities allegedly involved in criminal networks. For some, the case reinforces calls for stronger oversight and harsher penalties for corrupt officials.

The incident comes at a time when South Africans are grappling with rising crime and strained trust in institutions. While POPCRU’s swift response is an attempt to reassure the public, the case also highlights the deep challenges facing SAPS in restoring integrity across its ranks.