In a shocking turn of events, four South African police officers have been arrested on charges of robbery involving jewelry worth R20 million (approximately N1.9 billion).
The officers, identified as Jacobus Adriaan Groenewald, Bradley Dimitri Minnaar, Mthuthuzeli Mafanya, and Bathandwa Soldati, made their first court appearance at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on October 3.
Reports indicate that the officers, while in uniform and using police vehicles, conducted a staged robbery under the pretense of searching for a wanted Nigerian national. However, their operation was undermined by their failure to conceal evidence, leaving behind fingerprints and DNA that ultimately led to their identification and arrest.
Sources have revealed that the scheme involved a total of eight officers. “The four arrested are just part of the eight involved in this entire operation,” the source stated.
According to the insider, the officers visited the home of a wealthy Nigerian and falsely claimed they were investigating a wanted suspect. Instead of fulfilling their official duties, they made off with valuable items including Rolex watches, gold bracelets, emeralds, and ivory collectibles, all of which were high-end brands. “They clearly planned this robbery, but their carelessness was evident as they left their fingerprints throughout the house,” the source added.
Additionally, it was disclosed that the officers had used false license plates on their police vehicles but were tracked to the scene due to the South African Police Service (SAPS) tracking system.
“Every officer has their DNA and fingerprints recorded, which is how they were connected to the crime after the victim reported the incident,” the source explained.
The Provincial Community Police Board condemned the officers’ actions, calling it a serious betrayal of public trust and damaging to community confidence in law enforcement.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the arrests, stating that the case is being investigated by the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit. “On September 14, at approximately 1:35 AM, a robbery took place at the home of a foreign national on Sunset Avenue, Llandudno, allegedly involving several police officers. The matter was reported at Hout Bay police and subsequently transferred to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation,” he noted.
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