Cops caught red-handed
2007-03-16 09:26
Cape Town - Two police constables from the Pinelands police office appeared in the magistrate's court on Thursday on charges of theft, after they had allegedly been recorded on video.
Constables Wilbur Parker and Tertius Kotze stand accused of stealing a silver Apple laptop worth R17 000, a Dicota backpack for the laptop worth about R300, and a packet of Delight biscuits on Saturday March 10.
The alleged theft took place at the offices of National Bioinformatic Network (NBN) in Pinelands.
Die Burger is in possession of this video, which was taken by a movement-activated camera. It shows four policemen, dressed in uniform, and two police dogs entering NBN's offices.
One of the officers later left the office with what seemed to be a packet of biscuits in his hand.
Some time later another official leaves the scene with a backpack allegedly containing the laptop.
Professor Dan Jacobson, chief executive of NBN, said the video was "discouraging".
"These people are supposed to protect us."
He praised the police for their quick response after the matter had been brought to their attention. Jacobson added that "the dogs also left us a present".
Constables were on duty
According to a police statement, Kotze and Parker were arrested on Wednesday evening.
The officials were on duty when the incident took place. They were investigating a complaint of trespassers at Golf Park near Vincent Pallotti Hospital, where NBN's offices are situated.
"While they were on the premises, the officials obtained access to the building and stole a laptop. The incident was recorded on video by a movement-activated camera inside the building."
According to the statement, the two policemen from the dog unit were not involved.
Kotze and Parker were suspended on Thursday.
Superintendent Billy Jones said the incident was being investigated by the organised crime unit of the police.
The two officials applied for bail on Thursday. They stared in front of them with their hands behind their backs throughout the proceedings.
Magistrate RN Smith granted them bail of R1 000 each, and postponed the case until June 13 for further investigation and to allow Kotze an opportunity to appoint an attorney.
Kotze's parents, who paid his bail, attended court.
Smith said the court must wait for a decision from the director of public prosecution about prosecuting the men.