Top cops held for R40m theft
2004-11-12 22:27
Lizel Steenkamp
Johannesburg - Three "hardworking and highly regarded" detectives from the Johannesburg serious violent crime unit were arrested on Friday in connection with theft of up to R40m.
The Johannesburg unit is regarded as a top unit with some of the best detectives in South Africa.
The three men - a captain and two inspectors - have a total of 54 years' police experience and are members of the Gauteng unit's field team.
According to a national prosecuting authority official, who
wants to remain anonymous, it is alleged one of the inspectors has lost R10m in gambling.
A neighbour of the 34-year-old captain said the policeman had completely renovated his house this year.
"He changed the backyard into something resembling Sun City and repainted the whole house."
Behind the house is a waterfall falling from a rock into a huge swimming pool, a rock garden, a swing seat under a thatched roof and a lapa.
Alleged to have kept exhibits
It is also claimed the captain owns three BMWs, which were attached by the NPA on Friday.
Senior Superintendent Mary Martins-Engelbrech said the charges included theft, assault and obstructing the course of justice.
The crimes were allegedly committed in a two-year period.
There are allegations that the officers kept exhibits (including millions in recovered stolen money) found during their investigations.
Suspects whom they investigated also accused the officers of assault.
The officers found the money during their investigations, but it is claimed that not all of the money was handed in.
There also are allegations that the policemen had seized gold in their investigations.
Froze their bank accounts
The Fedisa task team, which investigates bank and transit robberies, launched an investigation in September at the request of Gauteng police management.
The policemen were arrested early on Friday morning at their homes, all in the same suburb.
The NPA attached their homes, furniture and vehicles and froze their bank accounts.
The three policemen are being held in Germiston police cells and are due to appear in Johannesburg regional court on Monday.
- Beeld