POTCHEFSTROOM � As part of dealing with criminal elements within the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province, a 45-year-old Taung police officer and his two male accomplices aged 42 and 63 were granted R4000.00 bail each upon a brief appearance in the Taung Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 26 July 2019, facing charges of robbery and fraud.

The trio’s court appearance stems from their apprehension by Provincial Commercial Crime Unit on Thursday, 25 July 2019 following two months of intensive investigations. It is alleged that as part of committing the crimes, the police officer and his accomplices would place vehicles sale advertisements on Facebook. Upon responding to the advertisement, potential clients would be told to go to Klerksdorp to view the vehicle.

As a result and on showing interest, the clients would be requested to either pay cash or deposit money into a bank account. The unsuspecting clients would then be convinced to drive to Taung with the suspects to collect the documents. According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that once in Taung, the clients would be taken to a certain house where they were being robbed of their personal belongings.

Consequently, six cases of robbery and fraud were opened in Taung Police Station between May and July 2019. Subsequent to an intensive investigation, the suspects were traced and arrested.

The suspects are expected to reappear in the Taung Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 29 August 2019.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Ryno Naidoo welcomed the arrest by the Commercial Crime Unit. Furthermore, he said that police officials who are involved in criminal activities and cannot do the right things on their own, have no place in the organisation and that they will be dealt with accordingly.

Source: South African Police Service