A police officer in Mitchells Plain is being praised for his integrity after refusing to participate in an alleged prison drug-smuggling operation.

According to the SAPS, the officer, attached to the Mitchells Plain Crime Prevention Unit, was contacted by a gang leader currently incarcerated at Pollsmoor Prison to facilitate the collection and delivery of drugs.

“The member received a phone call from a gang leader who is currently serving a sentence in Pollsmoor prison. He requested that he must collect drugs from his wife and hand them over to an inmate who was appearing at the Mitchells Plain Regional court,” said SAPS spokesperson, Ndakhe Gwala.

Gwala said the officer was offered a cash payment for his participation.

Rather than accepting the illicit offer, the officer carried out an operation that led to the arrest of the suspect.

Police said the officer went to an address in Otland Street, Westridge, where the gang leader’s wife allegedly handed him, a parcel containing dagga, two grams of tik, two knives, four cigarette lighters, a pack of cigarettes and cash.

“He arrested the 32-year-old female on the spot for possession of drugs and bribery… SAPS management in the Western Cape commends a member of Mitchells Plain Crime Prevention Unit who demonstrated the highest level of integrity in carrying out his duties,” said Ndakhe.