CAPE TOWN - More arrests are imminent in the case involving two police officers believed to be part of a syndicate allegedly using police detachable blue lights to stop motorists and rob them of their cash, cellphones and other valuables at gunpoint, say the Hawks.
The incidents took place along the N14 near Kuruman in the Northern Cape in July and August 2020.
Police officers Sergeant Monageng Joy Makoke, 37, and Constable Walter Setidisho, 31, appeared in the Mothibistad Regional Court on Tuesday facing an assortment of charges including armed robbery, two counts of attempted murder and kidnapping.
While their case was postponed to September 28 for a formal bail application, the Hawks were confident that more suspects will join them behind bars.
Makoke and Setidisho were arrested on Monday by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team with the assistance of the Tactical Response Team and Crime Intelligence.
The officers attached to Kuruman Crime Prevention were allegedly involved in a syndicate that used police detachable blue lights to stop motorists and rob them of their cash, cellphones and other valuables at gunpoint along the N14 near Kuruman in July and August last year.
“The matter was referred to the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in August 2020, after complaints were reported at the local police station. The Hawks’ probe revealed that the alleged perpetrators were members of South African Police Service. During their arrest a white Volkswagen Polo, allegedly used in the commission of the crime, was seized,” said Hawks spokesperson Philani Nkwalase.
The Hawks have appealed to other victims of such incidents to contact Warrant Officer Itumeleng Nogaga on 071 481 2754.
Cape Times