Four police officers are expected to appear in court after they allegedly tried to swindle an alleged drug dealer
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Four police officers, including a sergeant, who hoped to swindle a suspected drug dealer, have been arrested and charged with theft, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice.
According to Mpumalanga police, the officers received information about a vehicle parked at a guesthouse in Carolina, believed to be carrying a large quantity of dagga.
Police searched the vehicle and confirmed that there was dagga inside the white Fortuner.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, said the officers allegedly called for a tow-truck instead of taking the vehicle and the dagga to the nearest police station.
He said the officers allegedly diverted some of the bags to a local second-hand dealership in exchange for cash.
Masondo said further investigation led to the arrests of the four policemen, aged between 24 and 43.
They are expected to appear in court on Thursday.
Mpumalanga acting police commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the arrests.
He has called for harsher sentences against police officers who commit crime while on duty.
"We cannot have criminals within our ranks who hide behind the badge. Those who undermine our efforts to combat crime must be exposed, arrested, and held accountable," Mkhwanazi said.
IOL
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