| SAPS arrests metro police officers and two illegal immigrants for trespassing, malicious damage to property, attempted theft and defeating the ends of justice in Bekkersdal | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/10/20 |
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Media Statement
The media statement alleges that police officers from SAPS Bekkersdal arrived unannounced and proceeded to arrest TRU officials on baseless and fabricated charges. The statement is also calling on the provincial commissioner to intervene immediately. On Friday, 17 October 2025, Bekkersdal police arrested four TRU members and two illegal immigrants. The six suspects have been taken to Westonaria Magistrate’s Court facing charges which include attempted theft, malicious damage to property, trespassing, defeating the ends of justice, and contravening the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002. The Provincial Commissioner upon engaging with the District Commissioner, is satisfied that the members have acted within the bounds of the law. It is reported that the members from Bekkersdal were called to the scene by the community following a community mobilisation against the said raid by TRU. The swift response by members emanates from a threat which is emerging in the West Rand policing area where the district has experienced a recent spike in cases of house robberies and vehicle hijackings allegedly committed by suspects wearing traffic police and metro police uniforms, driving in vehicles with blue lights. The district is therefore on high alert and they have increased police visibility. During station and district izimbizo, the community was addressed on the threat and urged to be vigilant. The collaboration with community based organisations such as Community Police Forums and patrollers as well as private security companies through Business Against Crime South Africa’ Eyes and Ears initiative has resulted in the arrest of 42 suspects for hijacking and house robberies from July to September as well as the recovering 40 stolen/hijacked vehicles in the same period. Lieutenant General Mthombeni has thanked the community for working closely with the police to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain public order, to protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property and to uphold and enforce the law as per the Constitution. The public is encouraged to report any crime and criminality to their nearest police station or to call Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or to send tip-offs via MySAPS App. Ends
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