Four South African police officers, accused of executing a R20 million jewelry heist at a Nigerian man’s home in Llandudno, Cape Town, have been imprisoned after their bail hearing was postponed until next week.
Jacobus Adriaan Groenewald, Bradley Dimitri Minnaar, Mthuthuzeli Mafanya and Bathandwa Soldati appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 3, 2024, on aggravated robbery charges after they were busted by the Anti-Corruption Unit over the past two weeks.
The officers, who form part of the Operation Restore Unit and are stationed across Cape Town, are accused of staging a robbery at the home of a popular Nigerian rapper, who has yet to be named.
This week, Western Cape police revealed that following the robbery of the homeowner on September 14, a massive investigation led to the arrest of the four cops.
A source said the arrested cops are part of a group of eight who allegedly used their official SAPS uniforms and vehicles to carry out house robberies in the upmarket suburb.
“Those caught are four of eight officers behind this whole thing,” the source said.
“They went to the home of a rich Nigerian and told those in the house they were searching for a wanted Nigerian but instead they stole jewellery valued at R20 million.
“They are so stupid they left their fingerprints all over the house as they stole Rolex watches, gold bracelets, emeralds and ivory items. It was all brand names. But they definitely planned the robbery. They are based at different stations but basically they formed a syndicate,”
the source said.
The source revealed that the suspects were dressed in full uniform and even used state vehicles in the robbery.
“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 they were investigated by the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit.
“On September 14 at about 1.35am a house robbery occurred at the premises of a foreign national in Sunset Avenue, Llandudno, allegedly involving several police officers. This case was reported at Hout Bay police and transferred to the Western Cape Ant-Corruption Unit for further investigation,” he stated.
“Investigation by seasoned detectives led to the arrest of police members over a period of 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.
On 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.
The Western Cape Provincial Community Police (CPF) Board condemned the actions of the officers.
Spokesperson Justin Kumlehn said: “This shameful betrayal of trust not only violates the oath these officers took to serve and protect, but it also undermines the crucial relationship between the police and the communities they are sworn to safeguard.
“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.”
Chairperson of the Llandudno Special Ratings Area, Kiki Loubser, confirmed they are aware of the incident.
“We are co-operating with Hout Bay Neighbourhood Watch Community Crime Prevention Unit and SAPS and have faith that the situation will be dealt with appropriately,” Loubser said.
It came to light yesterday, that Soldati, who was originally stationed at Athlone police station, was the person whose fingerprints were found on the scene and was subsequently added to the charge sheet.
During court proceedings on Thursday, Groenewald, Minnaar and Mafanya were expected to apply for bail but this was stalled as Soldati was added to the charge sheet.
It was highlighted that Soldati needed time to consult with his legal representatives and the bail hearings were postponed to October 10.
