| 2024/06/21 |
Media Statement POTCHEFSTROOM - A 31-year-old Constable Stembiso Ngamlane was remanded in custody upon appearance in absentia in the Molopo Magistrates' Court in Mmabatho on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, for business robbery and impersonating a police officer. Ngamlane who is attached to Madikwe Visible Policing, was arrested on Thursday, 13 June 2024, in Seweding village, Mahikeng. Ngamlane and Jacobus Haywood (30) allegedly robbed a Bangladeshi foreign national owned tuckshop. The pair apparently entered the tuckshop wearing police uniform, introduced themselves as police officials and informed the shop owner that they were there to check if he was not selling counterfeit cigarettes. The victim took the duo to the place where cigarettes are kept. He was in the process, requested to produce his Asylum Seeker Permit which was in his room. The accused took the victim's cell phone while trying to call his sister in law. Subsequent to getting the permit, the accused robbed the victim of cigarettes, airtime vouchers and cash. It was at that point that the victim' sister in law arrived and demanded to see the duo's appointment cards. Haywood managed to run away, but Ngamlane was arrested and severely assaulted by members of the community. As a result, he was admitted taken to hospital where he was admitted. Preliminary investigation revealed that Haywood fled from the scene driving in a white Citroen car. Furthermore, police uniform pieces that included a blue shirt and a reflector jacket were found approximately 500m away from the scene. Haywood was finally arrested at Lorwaneng village. During the arrest, more police uniform pieces were confiscated. The matter was in court again today, but was postponed until Tuesday, 25 June 2024, for bail application. Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and reiterated that unethical conduct and the involvement of South African Police Service (SAPS) employees in criminal activities will not be tolerated. Ends
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService |