Nine Cape Town police officers have been arrested in two separate incidents this week. This is as their colleagues probe cases of fraud and business robbery against them.
The latest arrest was made in Khayelitsha on Wednesday. The Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit arrested six SAPS members attached to the Khayelitsha Detective Service for allegedly submitting false financial claims following a work-related trip to the Eastern Cape. This trip took place from January to September 2022.
According to Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Captain Frederick Van Wyk, five suspects—two sergeants and three constables—were taken into custody while on duty, with the sixth arrested at home.
“The members travelled to Eastern Cape for investigation and on their return submitted fraudulent claims for subsistence and travelling allowance to the total amount of R16,065. Allegations reveals that they would pay for accommodation and then request a receipt with a higher amount as paid. Members would also share a room, but then request two separate receipts,” Van Wyk said.
Following an investigation, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved charges on 26 counts of fraud.
One of the officers is facing an additional charge for defeating the administration of justice, for his alleged failure to arrange travel and accommodation for a witness in a pending murder case.
These officers are due to appear in court on Thursday.
In a separate case, three officers from the Nyanga SAPS were arrested on Monday, facing charges of business robbery and firearm offences.
They are accused of raiding a shop in Mfuleni in October 2024, holding the owner at gunpoint and stealing cash and cigarettes from his shop. The stolen goods were allegedly loaded into a police vehicle before the suspects fled the scene. Another spokesperson for the provincial police, Malcolm Pojie, said the owner of the shop tracked down the police suspects and later reported the incident.
“After thorough investigation by the unit, the docket was submitted to the DPP who then decided to charge the members for business robbery and pointing of firearm. Subsequently, a warrant of arrest was issued and executed on the same day.”
These officers made a court appearance on Tuesday.
