Police officers allegedly stole R7,000 and illicit cigarettes seized from foreign shop owner
The two police officers were on duty, driving a state vehicle, when they allegedly went to a shop owned by a foreign national in the Malipsdrift policing area to search for illegal goods.
Image: Leon Lestrade
Two police officers stationed at SAPS Mecklenburg in the Sekhukhune district in Limpopo are set to appear before the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court next month, facing charges of theft and defeating the administration of justice.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the case stems from an incident that occurred on 6 June 2024.
“The two members were on duty, driving a state vehicle, when they allegedly went to one of the foreign-owned shops in the Malipsdrift policing area to search for illegal goods,” said Ledwaba.
During the search, the officers allegedly seized 45 cartons of illicit cigarettes and more than R7,000 in cash. However, the shop owner was not arrested, and the two allegedly drove off with the exhibits.
“It later emerged that the case docket and the seized items were never registered. The foreign national made an inquiry at the local police station, which exposed the irregularities. A case was then opened and referred to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation,” Ledwaba explained.
On Tuesday, 2 September 2025, the officers, aged 32 and 41, were served with summons to appear in court on 1 October 2025.
Police investigations are continuing.
In July, IOL reported that three employees of the South African Police Service (SAPS) — two police officers and a general cleaner — all stationed at Modimolle police station in Limpopo, briefly appeared in court for allegedly stealing packets of washing powder from a crash scene.
The trio appeared before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of theft and defeating the ends of justice.
“The accused are Warrant Officer Frans Ndlovu, 55, Warrant Officer Lesiba Boya, 49, and the cleaner Lucas Moima, 50,” Ledwaba said at the time.
“The charges relate to an incident that occurred on 14 July 2025, when a delivery truck carrying pallets of washing powder lost control along the R101 road near Modimolle.”
During the chaos that followed, the two police officers allegedly looted the spilled cargo, using a marked SAPS vehicle.
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