Video evidence prompts investigation into police officer's theft
GEVANG: The officer is caught red-handed
Image: Video screenshot
Western Cape police are on the hunt for one of their own after a four-minute video appearing to show a police officer actively pocketing cash during what looks like an official raid went viral.
The footage, date-stamped February 20, shows an officer inside a room where a visible CCTV camera captures his movements.
The officer is seen entering the room and noticing what appears to be a bag filled with cash. After briefly looking around, he walks toward the bag and dips his hands inside.
He is seen removing what looks like money and hiding behind a cupboard before placing it in his pocket.
The officer then returns to the bag a second time, appearing visibly nervous as he looks for somewhere to hide the cash, first putting it under his jersey and then removing it. He eventually tucks the money into the back of his pants.
Moments later, he goes back for a third time, placing more of what appears to be cash into his lower pocket before moving the bag next to a bed.
When a second officer enters the room, the officer can be heard remarking about the “lots of ganja” allegedly found on the premises.
SKELMPIES: The officer's partner was searching for the ganja
Image: Video screenshot
But the first officer was not finished yet. As his colleague begins searching the room, seemingly unaware of what has just transpired, the officer returns to the bag once more and takes what appears to be the remaining cash, placing it into his back pocket, while his partner continues to search the room.
Outside the premises, a marked South African Police Service vehicle linked to Steenberg SAPS is visible.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said: “This office has noted with concern a video clip on social media platforms regarding a police officer who is stealing money during an operation.
“The area where it happened and who the officer is are currently under investigation. We want the person who issued the video clip to come forward and open a criminal case for investigation.”
He added: “We want to send a stern warning to corrupt officials, criminal activities within our ranks cannot be tolerated. The status and dignity of the SAPS badge and uniform must at all times be safeguarded and protected with pride, especially by police officers.”
Any information regarding corruption in the South African Police Services can be reported through a secure, and often anonymous, channel designed to protect whistleblowers at the National Anti-Corruption Hotline number on 0800 701 701.