Media Statement from KwaZulu Natal Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

Yesterday at about 15:30 a truck driver stopped on the N2 near Pongola when he was confronted by three men travelling in an unmarked Ford LDV. One of the three was dressed in police uniform. They proceeded to rob the driver of his cellphone and attempted to break open the safe on the truck. After failing to break open the safe the three men fled in their vehicle. Police at Pongola immediately responded once the complaint was received. Pongola police gave chase until the suspects lost control of the vehicle and fled on foot into a sugarcane plantation. After an intensive search all three suspects were apprehended. Police recovered a 9mm Beretta pistol from one of the suspects who it was discovered was an off duty police constable from Ulundi SAPS. All three men have been detained on charges of armed robbery and are expected to appear in court soon.

Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended the swift response from police at Pongola and repeated her call on all SAPS members not to hesitate when bringing down criminals hiding behind the badge. “This arrest is another indication of our commitment to clean up the police service of rogue elements. I want to once again repeat my pledge that we will respond to every allegation made against police officers as we want a police service that is seen by the community as upright, professional, honest and respectful,” she said.

Media enquiries: Colonel Jay Naicker- 082 556 7865 kzn.mediacentre@saps.gov.za

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