Three Limpopo police officers arrested over alleged theft and R1,000 bribery scheme

Three Limpopo police officers have been arrested in separate cases involving alleged theft and corruption following investigations by the SAPS Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.

The officers were arrested on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, as police step up efforts to deal with allegations of criminal conduct within their own ranks.

Police said the cases involve allegations ranging from money allegedly taken from a person in custody to claims that officers demanded a bribe from a foreign national.

Officer accused of using detainee’s bank card

One of the arrested officers is a 46-year-old police official who faces two counts of theft.

According to police, the officer allegedly used a complainant’s bank card while the person was in police custody.

Investigators reportedly discovered two withdrawals from the victim’s bank account, amounting to a combined R9,000.

The findings led to a warrant being issued for the officer’s arrest.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged withdrawals will now form part of the criminal proceedings.

Two officers face bribery allegations

In a separate case, two police officials, aged 33 and 47, are facing corruption charges.

They are accused of allegedly demanding and receiving R1,000 from a foreign national in exchange for not arresting him over his alleged illegal presence in South Africa.

According to police, the incident followed a complaint involving a suspected counterfeit R200 banknote.

The officers allegedly took the complainant to his residence after attending to the complaint.

Police said the R1,000 was subsequently handed over to the officials, after which the man was released.

The matter was registered at Ohrigstad police station in August 2026.

The allegations against the officers have not been tested in court.

SAPS says no officer is above the law

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the arrests formed part of the service’s efforts to deal with corruption within its ranks.

“These arrests demonstrate Saps’ commitment to rooting out corruption and criminality within its ranks. No member is above the law, and those found abusing their positions of trust will be held accountable,” Mashaba said.

He also urged members of the public to report suspected corruption or misconduct involving police officials.

“The integrity of the police service depends on public trust,” Mashaba said.

Officers expected in court

All three accused officers are expected to appear in the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court.

Investigations into the cases are continuing, meaning additional information could emerge as police gather evidence.

Limpopo provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers welcomed the arrests and said the SAPS would continue taking action against officers accused of abusing their positions for personal benefit.

The arrests also highlight the importance of reporting alleged police misconduct, particularly where members of the public believe officers have used their authority for personal gain.

The three officers remain accused at this stage and will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations through the court process.

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Source: The Citizen