Western Cape police say investigations are underway after a Cape Town Central Police Officer was arrested at the weekend for being in possession of drugs.
According to police, members attached to the Anti-Gang Unit conducted an intelligence-driven operation at the officer’s residence in Kleinvlei on Saturday. Upon arrival at the identified address, they searched the premises and the occupants and, in the process, found a person in possession of 965 full mandrax tablets, eight half mandrax pills, and one “bankie” of tik.
Officers detained a man, who is a member of SAPS, stationed at Cape Town Central SAPS, for dealing in drugs.
According to Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the suspect is expected to make a court appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court once charged.
Following the officer’s arrest, the Democratic Alliance (DA) called for an urgent, independent audit of all SAPS personnel serving in high-risk and sensitive positions. This includes those stationed in courts, correctional facilities, and specialised units such as anti-gang task teams.
According to the party, this is not the officer’s first reported link to smuggling. While serving in the SAPS Metro K9 Unit, the officer was also implicated in illicit activity.
DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice, Nicholas Gotsell, says despite this, SAPS leadership reassigned him to the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court, placing him in daily contact with detainees.
” – In the midst of a relentless gang and drug war on the Cape Flats, such negligence allows criminal syndicates to exploit weaknesses across the police, courts, and correctional services with impunity,” added Gotsell
