The South African Police Service has arrested three of their officers following a robbery incident at a petrol station in Welkom, Free State.

NOT TO BE TRUSTED

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest and said the incident happened on 1 July. "Preliminary investigations revealed that two constables and a sergeant pulled over a vehicle and ordered the man to step out. The man refused and drove to the nearest filling station, where the members followed him. It was during that period that the police officers allegedly grabbed the victim’s cellphone and sped off, "said Mathe. She said following the reported incident, maximum resources were mobilised and a dedicated team of detectives has been working on the case to trace the suspects. 

CRIMINALS IN UNIFORM

In a picture circulating on social media platforms, two men and a woman are seen wearing SAPS bulletproof vests and a SAPS mask. A white sedan that was allegedly used by the members can also be seen with flashing blue lights. "The suspects were traced to Gauteng, where they were arrested by the Welkom Serious and Violent Crime Unit and the Gauteng Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Investigations Unit (FCS) on Saturday, "said Mathe. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has welcomed the arrest of the three police officers. "We condemn this behaviour and don’t condone acts of criminality and corruption within our ranks. We will continue to deal decisively with those who do not abide by the SAPS code of conduct without fear or favour," said General Masemola.