Four police officers have been arrested in South Africa on charges of robbery, accused of stealing jewelry worth R20 million (N1.9 billion) in an audacious act.
The officers are identified as Jacobus Adriaan Groenewald, Bradley Dimitri Minnaar, Mthuthuzeli Mafanya, and Bathandwa Soldati. They appeared at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on October 3.
Reports indicate that the officers donned their official uniforms and utilized police vehicles to carry out the robbery, falsely claiming they were in search of a wanted Nigerian national.
However, they left behind fingerprints and DNA evidence that ultimately led to their identification and subsequent arrest.
Sources revealed that eight officers were involved in the operation.
“Those apprehended represent four of the eight officers behind this entire scheme,” a source disclosed.
“They arrived at the home of a wealthy Nigerian, informing the occupants they were searching for a wanted individual, but instead, they stole jewelry valued at R20 million.”
“Their ineptitude was glaring as they left fingerprints throughout the residence while stealing Rolex watches, gold bracelets, emeralds, and ivory pieces — all high-end items. Despite their careful planning, they formed a syndicate operating across different police stations.”
“They even affixed false plates to SAPS vehicles but were ultimately caught because the SAPS tracking system recorded their presence at the scene.”
“In law enforcement, DNA and fingerprints are cataloged, which is how they were linked to the crime after the homeowner filed a complaint.”
The Provincial Community Police Board condemned their actions as a betrayal of public trust and an erosion of confidence in the police force.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the arrests, noting they were under investigation by the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit.
“On September 14, around 1:35 AM, a house robbery occurred at the residence of a foreign national on Sunset Avenue, Llandudno, allegedly involving several police officers. This case was reported at Hout Bay Police Station and subsequently transferred to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation,” he stated.
