The alcohol allegedly vanished before reaching the police station. File picture: Pixabay
A 52-YEAR-old former South African Police Services (SAPS) station commander was arrested on charges of theft.
The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (the Hawks) arrested Nomaindia Mali, a former station commander at Qhasa police station in the Eastern Cape, last week.
According to provincial Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Avele Fumba, the incident took place in 2020 when the country was under lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is reported that Mali allegedly visited the premises of a complainant at Emakhuzeni liquor store in Mphetshwa location in Mbizana,” Fumba said.
“She allegedly identified herself as the station commander and apparently questioned the complainant about the liquor found on the premises.
“It is further allegedly that despite an explanation provided by the complainant that the liquor was not for sale but for customers of a Bed and Breakfast business, Mali allegedly orchestrated the seizure of the alcohol and instructed a second police vehicle from her station to come and load all the liquor.”
Fumba said that during the journey back to the Qhasa police station it was reported that Mali's vehicle, which was transporting a significant quantity of liquor, mysteriously vanished and allegedly arrived late, empty-handed.
“The matter was then referred to the Hawks for further probing.
“Following an investigation, a warrant of arrest was issued, leading to Mali's arrest at Mbizana police station.”
She appeared in the Flagstaff Regional Court and was released on a warning.
The matter will return to court on April 30.
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