Sticky SAPS fingers: Bonteheuwel police investigated for theft

The police in Bonteheuwel are operating under the intense microscope of internal affairs after a local shop owner reported them for allegedly stealing thousands of his earnings.

Speaking to EWN, police spokesperson, FC Van Wyk revealed that a case of theft has been opened against a team of SAPS officials that were involved in the raid of a local store on Friday.

Why are the Bonteheuwel police accused of theft?

Since the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), law enforcement agencies in Cape Town have been spurred by the extra manpower and resources available to help combat the scourge of crime that has gripped the city in fear.

Bonteheuwel is one of the targeted hotspot areas considered by law enforcement as crisis zones, with weekly gang-related shootings a common occurrence in the area.

Therefore, as it has been happening in other hotspot areas such as Nyanga, Philippi, and Manenberg, law enforcement teams launched a Search and Seizure operation in Bonteheuwel, looking for the presence of illicit drugs, weapons and wanted persons.

How much was allegedly stolen?

According to an eyewitness, Mark Arendse, who is the shop owner’s neighbour, a team of Bonteheuwel SAPS officers entered the store without probable cause and harassed the owner for his permit documentation.

“They asked for his papers. Four of them went to the back and they said he can’t go to the back because they’ve got a gun. They tore his place apart and then when they left, the left all the boxes, all the bags and the money is gone,” Arendse alleged.

It is believed that the officers made away with at least R22 000 of the store’s earnings. Van Wyk has confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the matter and more information will be relayed as more evidence trickles in.

“CCTV footage will be obtained and viewed by our detectives. All relevant people will be interviewed and statements will be obtained,” he said.