Three employees of the South African Police Service (SAPS) — two police officers and a general cleaner — all stationed at Modimolle police station in Limpopo, have briefly appeared in court for allegedly stealing packets of washing powder from a crash scene.

The trio appeared before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of theft and defeating the ends of justice. 

The case was postponed to Friday, for a formal bail application.

“The accused are Warrant Officer Frans Ndlovu, 55, Warrant Officer Lesiba Boya, 49, and the cleaner Lucas Moima, 50,” said Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, provincial SAPS spokesperson in Limpopo.

“The charges relate to an incident that occurred on 14 July 2025, when a delivery truck carrying pallets of washing powder lost control along the R101 road near Modimolle.”

During the chaos that followed, the two police officers allegedly looted the spilled cargo, using a marked SAPS vehicle.

Moima was later linked to the crime.

“A joint investigation by the Limpopo provincial anti-corruption unit and Modimolle local criminal records centre led to their arrest and recovery of some of the stolen goods,” said Ledwaba.

Meanwhile, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned the involvement of SAPS employees in criminal activities.

“It is extremely disheartening when those entrusted with upholding the law violate that trust. Corruption and criminal behaviour within the ranks of the SAPS will not be tolerated. We are committed to ensuring accountability at all levels,” she said.

Police in Limpopo have appealed to community members with further information regarding the looting incident to come forward and report to their nearest police station, or via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

In March, IOL reported that a 44-year-old police officer, based in Gauteng, was arrested in Limpopo after he was found in possession of nyaope drugs and a suspected stolen vehicle.

The police officer was intercepted on Wednesday while driving along the N1 South freeway, outside Polokwane, according to Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.

“The police constable from Silverton detectives component was found in possession of 2,095 sachets of nyaope, worth approximately R85,000 and was driving a suspected stolen Nissan NP200 with Gauteng registration plates,” said Mashaba.

“The vehicle was intercepted near Shell Ultra City during an intelligence-driven operation by the provincial anti-smuggling unit, jointly with Tshimollo private security.”

The police officer was armed with his service pistol, which was confiscated during his arrest.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News  

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