Two members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) are set to appear in the Somerset West Magistrates court on Monday, 04 March 2024, on charges of hijacking and theft.
The incident in question occurred on 10 August 2022, when a truck carrying abalone worth R500,000-00 was hijacked while en route from Buffelsjag abalone farm in Hermanus to Cape Town International Airport for export.
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As the truck approached the Baden Powell off ramp on the N2 freeway, it was approached from behind by two marked police vehicles with sirens and flashing blue lights.
The truck driver stopped on the side of the road, where the occupants of the police vehicles, dressed in police uniforms, confronted the driver and crew member. Both crew members were instructed to hand over their cell phones to the police. Additionally, a rifle and handgun were taken from one of the crew members.
The driver was placed in the back of one police vehicle, while the passengers were put in the back of the other vehicle, which then drove away from the scene.
The truck crew was later released in a bush area in Mitchells Plain, while the truck itself was found abandoned at Wolfgat Nature Reserve in Mitchells Plain, with all the abalone cargo missing. The case was subsequently opened and is now being investigated by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes, Provincial Investigations Unit.
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Through the use of aerial vehicle location (AVL) technology, it was determined that the two marked police vehicles used in the incident belonged to members of Operation Restore.
The drivers of these vehicles were identified, and their cellular phone records were obtained. The records placed both drivers at or near the different crime scenes. It was also discovered that both members were off duty at the time of the incident, although they were authorised to be in possession of the marked police vehicles.
On 01 March 2024, a planned operation led by the Provincial Investigation Unit, SVC, and assisted by members of Crime Intelligence, resulted in the arrest of one member at Sea Point SAPS and the other at the Anti-Gang Unit in Faure.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, expressed his strong stance against corruption within the police force, stating that such actions tarnish the reputation of the police and will not be tolerated.
He emphasised that police officials involved in criminal activities will face the full force of the law.
 are set to appear in court on charges of hijacking and theft. The incident occurred on 10 August 2022, when a truck carrying abalone worth R500,000-00 was hijacked.){kind=link}