Caught on camera: Cop's brazen cash grab during dagga bust
The officer is caught red handed
Image: Video screenshot
The Weekend Argus has received a four-minute video appearing to show a police officer actively pocketing cash during what looks like an official raid.
The footage, date-stamped 20 February 2026, 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.
The officers partner is looking for the ganja
Image: Video screenshot
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.
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.
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about police misconduct and accountability. According to the most recent 2024/2025 report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), 167 theft complaints were recorded against SAPS members during the 2024/25 financial year.
Of these, approximately 162 investigations were finalised, and 141 cases were recommended for prosecution. However, only 39 convictions were ultimately recorded.
The figures have raised questions about consequence management within the police service and the gap between investigations and successful convictions.
At the time of publication, it was unclear whether the matter has been formally reported to IPID or whether internal disciplinary proceedings have been initiated.
Weekend Argus has reached out to the South African Police Service for comment and awaits a response.
The authenticity of the video and the full circumstances surrounding the alleged raid remain subject to official verification.