Police officers arrested for looting washing powder at crash scene
A joint investigation by the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit and the Modimolle Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) led to the arrests.
According to police reports, the arrests follow a 14 July 2025 incident on the R101 road, about 10 km outside Modimolle towards Polokwane.
A delivery truck carrying pallets of washing powder veered off the road around 04:20, spilling some cargo.
While the driver tried to secure the scene, bystanders began looting.
A marked SAPS vehicle soon arrived, but instead of stopping the looting, the two officers allegedly joined in and loaded washing powder into the SAPS vehicle, leaving the driver behind.
The driver documented the incident and reported it, prompting a swift investigation.
On 18 July 2025, the joint team searched the residence of one officer and recovered some of the stolen goods. Investigators also linked a general cleaner to the crime.
The three suspects, aged between 49 and 55, will appear before the Modimolle Magistrate's Court on 21 July 2025.
Police expect more arrests as investigations continue.
Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the conduct of the SAPS employees.
It is deeply troubling when those trusted to uphold the law betray that trust. We will not tolerate corruption or criminal behaviour within SAPS, and we remain committed to ensuring accountability at every level,' Hadebe said.
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to report it to their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
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