It took a high-speed chase, gunshots and a bite from a police dog before two metro policemen were able to arrest a man they thought was impersonating a police officer.
However, they then realised that the man was, in fact, a policeman, and that he and his fellow officer, who was safely ensconced at the back of their police vehicle, had been indulging in some “num-num” – a colloquialism for free sex with prostitutes.
Having got their men, both constables, and their two women companions, the metro officers thought their job was done. They were wrong: trying to open a case against the officers, members of the Port Security Services (PSS) unit of the SAPS, commonly known as the harbour police, proved almost impossible.
Officers at two police stations refused to register the case and hold their colleagues accountable for their conduct, with the attitude being that indulging in “num-num” was normal.
It all started just after 1am on Easter Monday, with metro police dog unit officers investigating tyre theft near South Coast Road, Clairwood.
They noticed a PSS-marked panel van nearby and asked for assistance, but the constable, who appeared to be alone, said the back of his van was filled with tools and he could not carry a tyre they had managed to recover.
Later they saw the same vehicle – far out of its jurisdiction – parked in a dark alley. The metro officers became suspicious that the constable could be an impostor in police uniform.
On approaching the van on foot, they saw a figure crouched on the floor on the passenger side. The constable driving the van got out with a weapon in hand and then tried to mow down the metro policeman with his vehicle.
A high-speed car chase ensued from Clairwood to Umbilo, where the PSS vehicle stopped and the female passenger got out and tried to run away.
The metro officers apparently fired a warning shot and asked the constable and his passenger to surrender, but he refused and the dog was released to reel them in.
Loud banging sounds from the back of the panel van alerted them to another policeman with another prostitute on the inside.
The early morning drama moved to the Umbilo police station, where officers allegedly refused to open a docket against their constable colleagues, saying the drama had started in the Montclair police jurisdiction and the matter should be taken there. Montclair officers, however, said the arrests had taken place in Umbilo and the case should be opened at that station.
Although the drama started after 1am on Monday morning, by midday on Wednesday the matter of booking the policemen was still being finalised.
Montclair police finally opened the docket. The constable driving the van was charged with attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving, and unlawful possession of a firearm, as he did not have any identification or his appointment card to verify that he was entitled to have a weapon at the time. It transpired that the weapon belonged to his colleague, who was charged with failing to secure his weapon as required by the Firearms Control Act.
The SAPS counter-charged the metro officers with attempted murder for firing a shot and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm for setting the dog on the constable.
The prostitutes, who were apparently picked up in Montclair and Seaview, and who allegedly knew the constables well, made statements and were released.
Metro police spokesman Eugene Msomi said he was waiting for further information and would only be able to comment on the matter on Thursday.
Although the SAPS was provided with details about the incident, its spokesman said on Wednesday: “According to our system, there are no records of such incident nor arrest.”
Later, The Mercury was told: “The case docket was registered at Montclair police station and it has been transferred to Umbilo police station for investigation. Umbilo police station has not yet received the docket.”
After more prodding, the police said: “We can only give details as soon as Umbilo police station has received the docket. This will allow us to verify the details of the case with the investigating officer in order for us to give you accurate information.”
The constables were reportedly released without appearing in court or paying police bail.
The Mercury