Four South African police officers arrested for robbing Nigerian man of jewelries

Four South African police officers arrested for robbing Nigerian man of jewelries

They are accused of stealing jewelry valued at R20 million (approximately N1.9 billion) in a high-profile robbery case.

The officers, identified as Jacobus Groenewald, Bradley Minnaar, Mthuthuzeli Mafanya, and Bathandwa Soldati, appeared before the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on October 3.

Reports indicate that the suspects carried out the robbery using their official uniforms and police vehicles, claiming to be in pursuit of a wanted Nigerian national.

However, they left behind crucial evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, which led to their arrest.

It is believed that a total of eight officers were involved in the robbery.

“Those caught are four of the eight officers behind the entire operation,” a source disclosed.

“They entered the home of a wealthy Nigerian, pretending to search for a wanted individual. Instead, they made off with jewelry valued at R20 million.

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“They left their fingerprints all over the crime scene, taking luxury items like Rolex watches, gold bracelets, emeralds, and ivory pieces. Everything they stole was from high-end brands. Although they clearly planned the heist, their actions were careless. The officers came from different stations, but they had formed a syndicate,” the source revealed.

“They even placed fake number plates on their SAPS vehicles, but the police tracking system still placed them at the scene of the crime.

“In the police force, both DNA and fingerprints are kept on record, which made it easy to link them to the crime after the homeowner filed a report.”

The Provincial Community Police Board condemned their actions, calling it a severe breach of public trust and a blow to confidence in the police force.

FC van Wyk, a police spokesperson, confirmed the arrests and stated that the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit is leading the investigation.

“On September 14, at approximately 1:35 a.m., a house robbery took place at the residence of a foreign national on Sunset Avenue, Llandudno, allegedly involving several police officers. The case was initially reported at Hout Bay police station and later transferred to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation,” van Wyk said.

Four South African police officers arrested for robbing Nigerian man of jewelries

(SAHARAREPORTERS)