Mpumalanga police sergeant arrested over diesel truck hijacking

A 44-year-old police sergeant has been arrested in connection with the hijacking of a diesel truck in Bethal, Mpumalanga, in May.

The sergeant, who is attached to the Secunda Flying Squad, was arrested by members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit on Friday morning, September 4.

The truck was allegedly hijacked on May 2. The case was later escalated to the Organised Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation.

Investigators made a breakthrough in July when four suspects were arrested in connection with the hijacking.

Further investigations allegedly uncovered information linking a police officer to the planning of the crime.

A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued for the sergeant, which investigators executed on Friday when they arrested him.

He remains in custody and is expected to appear before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 7, where he will face a charge of truck hijacking.

Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise welcomed the arrest, saying it demonstrated that police officers suspected of criminal conduct would not be protected by the organisation.

“The arrest of one of our own members is clear proof that we act without fear or favour and that no one is above the law,” said Modise.

He said the arrest was regrettable but sent a strong warning to police members who become involved in criminal activities.

The provincial commissioner also commended the Organised Crime Investigation team for its work in uncovering the alleged involvement of the officer.