E Cape cop nabbed for robbery

Eastern Cape police management yesterday warned officers to ensure they avoided “all forms” of criminal activity.

This was right on the heels of another police constable’s arrest for robbery in Uitenhage on Saturday.

Eastern Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga said it was disturbing to receive news of a police member’s involvement in criminal activity, and assured the public that any officer found on the wrong side of the law would be dealt with swiftly and harshly.

It was alleged that a 32-year-old off-duty policeman in a marked police vehicle had approached a foreign national at a petrol station in Caledon Street, Uitenhage, on Saturday morning.

“The policeman demanded to see the victim’s work permit and, when the victim failed to produce the necessary documentation, he was forced to collect the documents from his home,” Sergeant Majola Nkohli said.

Upon arrival at the man’s residence, the policeman, who was in the company of another man, allegedly pointed his firearm at the victim.

The pair searched the victim and stole cash and car keys, before making off in the police vehicle, Nkohli said.

The victim immediately reported the matter at Uitenhage Police Station and, moments later, the police vehicle was spotted in Kamesh and stopped in Palm Drive.

“The policeman and his civilian passenger were arrested.”

The constable was stationed at the rapid rail police unit in Port Elizabeth. He and his 25-yearold accomplice will appear in the Uitenhage Magistrate’s Court on charges of robbery. – ANA