PRETORIA – Three police officers aged between 38 and 49, two from Durban K9 and one from Pinetown Crime Intelligence, will appear on Monday morning in the Durban Magistrates court following their arrest on Friday for alleged theft of R2.2 million in a bogus search and seizure operation.
It is reported that on 06 April 2019 at about 23h05 in the Hillcrest area, the suspects, a Warrant Officer, three Sergeants and a civilian allegedly visited the complainant’s house to conduct a “search and seizure” of an illegal firearm.
Whilst searching the premises, the suspects are said to have come across two cardboard boxes and a safe containing R2.2 million.
They seized the cash without allegedly providing the necessary documentation indicating where the money was being taken.
They are also said to have prevented the complainant from following the members transporting the money.
The complainant opened a case of theft with the Hillcrest SAPS which was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation for further probing.
Through a long and thorough investigation conducted, five suspects were successfully linked to the crime.
Two other suspects, a Warrant Officer and a civilian, who were targeted in the operation on Friday are still at large. The search for them is still continuing.
Upon their arrest, they will face charges of theft alternatively armed robbery.