Cops in court for theft of firearms from NC police station
Two police sergeants were arrested by the Hawks in Petrusville on Wednesday: Pictures: Supplied
TWO NORTHERN Cape police sergeants made their first appearance in court in connection with the theft of firearms and ammunition from the Petrusville police station.
Sergeant Olebogeng Samuel Molots, 44, and Sergeant Phokoile Thomas Plaaitjie, 43, appeared in the Petrusville Magistrate’s Court on June 13.
Hawks regional spokesperson Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said the case was postponed to June 18 for a formal bail application and the two officers will remain in custody.
A multi-disciplinary operation led by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Crime Intelligence and the Kimberley Flying Squad resulted in the arrest of the two officers in Petrusville on June 12.
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Mnisi explained that a complaint was lodged with the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in November last year regarding the theft of firearms and ammunition from the Petrusville police station on November 6, 2023. Consequently, a case docket was opened with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) team for further investigation.
The stolen firearms were later recovered in Senekal and Marquard in the Free State and a suspect was arrested in connection with the theft and subsequently released on bail. Further investigations revealed the alleged involvement of the two police officers from Petrusville SAPS in the theft of the state firearms.
The matter was presented to the Director of Public Prosecutors for a decision and it was concluded that five suspects, including the two sergeants, must stand trial for theft and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Warrants of arrest were issued for four suspects under Section 43 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
