Cops steal from accident scene

HAWKS national head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya has “condemned” the five officers arrested at Beacon Bay station for alleged fraud and corruption after stolen goods were recovered from police quarters.

The officers, together with a sixth accomplice, a taxi driver, allegedly looted a truck which was involved in an accident between East London and Maclean on Tuesday afternoon.

“We will continue to confront any form of corruption and criminality in the SAPS. Criminal behaviour has no place in our existence. The SAPS has always adopted a zero-tolerance attitude towards corruption and we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring a corrupt -free service.”

Hawks national spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the police officers and the taxi driver had allegedly helped themselves to perishable goods from the truck using a police vehicle as well as a taxi.

“The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit received a tip-off and, together with Crime Intelligence, promptly responded and rounded up the suspects. Members also managed to seize a number of boxes at various places in East London, including police quarters.”

The suspects appeared in the East London magistrate’s court on Thursday on charges of corruption and theft. Constables Azola Ndongeni, Mkolisi Matthews Gola, Luthando Klaas, Siyabonga Freddie and Siseko Dayimani and taxi driver Xolani Valantiya were granted R1 000 bail. Their next appearance is on September 20. – African News Agency (ANA)