Cape Town – The Khayelitsha police station commander is one of two SAPS members who have been arrested and appeared in court on firearm-related charges.
A third suspect, a retired SAPS member, has been charged alongside them.
The case has been labelled “embarrassing” by a civil group, and the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) said it was unacceptable.
Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said: “Two employees attached to Khayelitsha SAPS and a former member (now retired) appeared in court on firearm-related charges.
’’Further details on the case are part of a police investigation, hence they cannot be divulged at this point.
“Internal disciplinary processes were also instituted against the SAPS members implicated.”
The Cape Times has learned from reliable sources that one of the arrested is the station commander in Site B.
Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo said that it was unacceptable that illegal firearms were roaming the streets.
“We have had many incidents of firearm thefts, and in turn they have been used to terrorise communities and even kill the very cops that are tasked with protecting communities. This is unfortunate and regrettable,” Mamabolo said.
Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) chairperson Ndithini Tyhido said law enforcers should apply the law.
“This is really disappointing and embarrassing for SAPS members to be arrested with unlicensed firearms. They are supposed to be protecting the citizens and jailing the criminals. This shows that the cops are part and parcel of criminal activities taking place every day.”
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said they would provide comment today.
Cape Times