Flying Squad Cop Arrested While on Duty Over Mpumalanga Diesel Truck Hijacking

• A 44-year-old Flying Squad sergeant was arrested in Secunda, Mpumalanga, as he arrived for duty in uniform
• SAPS Mpumalanga spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed the officer was identified as a participant in a diesel truck hijacking in Bethal in May
• At least three people have been arrested in connection with the case, with the sergeant set to appear in the Bethal court on Monday

MPUMALANGA — A Flying Squad sergeant has been arrested in Secunda, Mpumalanga, as part of a police takedown operation targeting suspects allegedly involved in diesel truck hijackings across the province.

The 44-year-old officer was taken into custody when he arrived for his shift on Tuesday morning, still dressed in his uniform. He is a sergeant attached to the Flying Squad.

Officer identified as hijacking suspect

SAPS Mpumalanga spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that a diesel truck was hijacked in Bethal in May, following which four suspects were arrested. Subsequent investigations pointed to police involvement in the planning of that hijacking, with the sergeant identified as one of the participants.

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He is expected to appear in the Bethal Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges related to truck hijacking. Masondo indicated that additional charges could be added as the investigation progresses. The South African Police Service will also initiate internal disciplinary proceedings against the officer.

At least three people have been arrested in connection with the matter to date.

Commissioner alarmed by surge in truck hijackings

Masondo described diesel truck hijacking as a serious and growing concern in Mpumalanga, noting that three separate incidents involving hijacked trucks were recorded in the province last month alone. Investigators believe police officers have been embedded within some of the syndicates responsible for these crimes.

Masondo said the provincial commissioner was deeply troubled by the trend.

"The issue is a challenge and last month alone three incidents occurred of trucks hijacked. The commissioner is very concerned about this and we hope this arrest will send a message to other people involved in the hijacking," he said.

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The allegations against the police officer have not been tested in court and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

View video of the arrest here:

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Source: Briefly News