Two Northern Cape cops arrested for allegedly joining looters during protests

2018-04-30 11:37

Jenna Etheridge

Police mmebers have been arrested following protest violence and looting. (Duncan Alfreds, News24)

Two police officers have been arrested after allegedly joining in on looting action during recent service delivery protests in the Northern Cape, police said on Monday.

The constables, 34 and 37, were found in possession of cellphones believed to have been stolen from a furniture store in Hartswater, said Captain Olebogeng Tawana.

"The cellphones and many items including television sets, electric appliances were stolen during service delivery protests where looting was the order of the day."

READ: Protesters burn police vehicle, loot shops in Northern Cape

He said the officers were allegedly seen among community members who looted businesses in Hartswater and Pampierstad.

The towns, along with Jan Kempdorp, saw several days of violent protests, leading to blocked roads and numerous arrests.

The officers were arrested while on duty at Pampierstad police station on Sunday morning.

Tawana said one of the cellphones was found in an officer's possession, while the other phone was found at his colleague's home.

The case was handed over to IPID for further investigation.

The pair is expected to appear in the Hartswater Magistrate's Court later on Monday.

Tawana said more arrests of community members believed to have joined in the looting were imminent.

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