[imagesource:wikimediacommons]

Fingerprints left at the scene of a daring robbery at a mansion in Cape Town’s upscale Llandudno suburb set off a trail that pointed to an unexpected group of suspects: police officers.

After an investigation by the Western Cape anti-corruption unit, four Cape Town police officers were arrested and set to appear on corruption charges in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court today after they allegedly pulled off a cool R20 million jewellery heist in the seaside suburb last month.

The four bad cops arrested are alleged to be part of a group of eight officers who use their official SAPS uniforms and vehicles to carry out house robberies in the posh suburb, a Cape Argus source notes.

The house robbery took place at about in the late hours of the night on September 14 at the premises of a foreign national in Sunset Avenue, Llandudno, allegedly involving several police officers. The source revealed that the suspects were dressed in full uniform and even used state vehicles in the robbery.

“They went to the home of a rich Nigerian and told those in the house they are searching for a wanted Nigerian, but instead they stole jewellery valued at R20m,” the source said.

“They are so stupid they left their fingerprints all over the house as they stole Rolex watches, gold bracelets, emeralds and ivory items.

They noted that the robbery was definitely planned and that although the cops were based at different stations, they basically “formed a syndicate”.

“They actually placed false plates on the SAPS vehicles but were caught because the SAPS tracking system placed them on the scene. In the police your DNA and fingerprints are recorded and that is how they were linked after the homeowner opened a case.”

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the arrests and said an investigation by seasoned detectives led to the arrest of police members over some time.

“A 44-year-old sergeant was arrested on the same day at 35 Squadron in Belhar and later a 28-year-old constable was arrested at Gugulethu SAPS.

“Both appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on September 17. The case was then postponed to October 3 for bail application.”

Van Wyk said further investigations led to the arrest of a 33-year-old sergeant in Bellville two days later, while just this Wednesday, the unit pounced on a 38-year-old sergeant at Philippi SAPS after the member was linked through fingerprints found at the crime scene.

Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile praised the investigation team for the arrests and said police officers are supposed to uphold the law and protect the public.

“Let this serve as a warning to those who think they can abuse the resources of the state for their disgraceful purposes,” he said.

Furthermore, as Western Cape Provincial Community Police (CPF) Board Spokesperson Justin Kumlehn said “Corruption among law enforcement officials breaks the bond of trust between the police and the community. These officers were entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the law and protecting citizens from harm, yet their alleged actions have brought dishonour to the badge.”

“This type of behaviour erodes the confidence that the public has in SAPS, and it threatens the integrity of the entire system.”

[sources:timeslive&iol]