Two Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officers have returned to duty, despite facing a pending case of truck hijacking against them.
The officers, whose names have not been disclosed by TMPD, were arrested by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) last month for their alleged involvement in a truck hijacking incident and for possessing a suspected stolen vehicle.
According to TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, the exact date on which the officers resumed duty is unclear, but it was shortly after they were granted bail. Mahamba stated, ‘The TMPD members were released on bail.
The matter is still under TMPD internal investigation. An internal docket was opened and registered for further investigation. They were served with notices of intention to suspend them and given the opportunity to submit representation as to why they should not be suspended.’
In early September, the two TMPD officers, dressed in their official uniforms, were observed along the R21 highway in Ekurhuleni by EMPD officers. The TMPD officers were traveling in a grey BMW 3 series equipped with blue police lights.
The EMPD officers became suspicious and initiated an interrogation of the two TMPD officers. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the EMPD officers discovered that it had been reported stolen. EMPD spokesperson Lt-Col Kelebogile Thepa stated, ‘The BMW was used by the TMPD officers to escort a grey truck carrying goods, which was driven by a third person.
When the truck driver noticed the EMPD officers in an unmarked vehicle with the TMPD officers, the truck drove past and sped off. However, the truck driver abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. The EMPD officers pursued the suspect on foot until they apprehended him in a nearby bush with the assistance of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and SAPS helicopters.’
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All three suspects, including the two TMPD officers, are facing charges of truck hijacking and possession of suspected stolen goods.
When asked whether TMPD officers can continue their duties while facing pending cases, Mahamba responded, ‘Yes, remember you are innocent until proven guilty by the court of law.’ He also mentioned that the two TMPD officers are scheduled to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on November 1.
 officers have returned to duty, despite facing a pending case of truck hijacking against them. The officers, whose names have not been disclosed by TMPD, were arrested by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) last month for their alleged involvement in a truck hijacking incident and for possessing a suspected stolen vehicle.){kind=link}