In South Africa, four police officers have been arrested on charges of robbery after allegedly stealing jewelry valued at R20 million (approximately N1.9 billion) from a Nigerian national.
The officers, identified as Bradley Dimitri Minnaar, Mthuthuzeli Mafanya, Bathandwa Soldati, and Jacobus Adriaan Groenewald, appeared in Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on October 3.
Reports indicate that the officers staged the robbery by pretending to search for a wanted Nigerian suspect, using their official uniforms and vehicles to gain entry. However, they left behind crucial DNA and fingerprint evidence, which ultimately led to their identification and arrest.
Sources revealed that the robbery involved a total of eight officers. “Those arrested are just four of the eight officers involved in the entire scheme,” a source stated. “They went to the residence of a wealthy Nigerian, claiming they were searching for a wanted individual, but instead stole jewelry worth R20 million. Their incompetence showed as they left fingerprints throughout the house while stealing luxury items such as Rolex watches, gold bracelets, emeralds, and ivory artifacts.”
The officers were reported to have used false license plates on their police vehicles, but they were tracked due to the SAPS system locating them at the scene of the crime. “In the police force, your DNA and fingerprints are recorded, which is how they were linked to the crime after the homeowner filed a report,” the source added.
The Provincial Community Police Board condemned the officers’ actions, citing a serious breach of trust that undermines public confidence in the police force.
The arrests were confirmed by police spokesman FC van Wyk, who indicated that the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit is conducting further investigations.
“At approximately 1:35 am on September 14, a robbery occurred at a foreign national’s home on Sunset Avenue in Llandudno, involving multiple police officers. After the incident was reported to Hout Bay police, the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit was assigned to investigate the matter further,” the spokesman explained.
