KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended the swift response of law enforcement agencies, which led to the arrest of a police officer for theft and fraud charges.
The constable, stationed at Cato Manor, was arrested on Friday morning during a raid at his home in Seaview after being found in possession of a bank card stolen from a hijacking incident, which left an 11-yer-old girl, Zarah Ramsamy, dead in Malvern last month.
According to the KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the constable was arrested after he was found in possession of a bank card, which belongs to the owner of the vehicle that was hijacked during the incident.
At the time of the hijacking, the police constable was on duty in the Cato Manor policing precinct where he is stationed. When the hijacked vehicle was recovered in the Cato Manor area, the same constable was called upon to drive the vehicle to the Malvern station.
It was during that time that the constable got hold of the bank card and stole it.
The police officer is facing charges of theft and fraud for stealing and using the bank card of the victim's family after the hijacked vehicle was recovered.
Ntuli said while the officer’s actions tarnish the integrity of the police force, the successful operation, led by the Hawks Provincial Tracking Team and other units, demonstrates the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to root out corruption within their ranks.
Ntuli warned that the provincial government will not allow rogue officers to undermine the public’s trust in the South African Police Service.
“Officers, who abuse their position to engage in criminality, have no place in our police force. The arrest of this dishonest constable is a clear message that no one is above the law," Ntuli said.
The Premier also commended the collaborative effort of the numerous law enforcement units involved in the operation and reiterated government’s commitment to fighting crime in the province.
As the officer faces internal disciplinary action, Ntuli has invited all stakeholders -- religious groups, private businesses, neighbourhood watch groups, and community leaders -- to join hands with the provincial government to combat crime and restore trust in law enforcement.
“The provincial government remains committed to ensuring that justice prevails, not only for the Ramsamy family but for all victims of crime in KwaZulu-Natal,” Ntuli said.
Netshiunda said the police officer will also face internal disciplinary process proportional to the crimes with which he has been charged. – SAnews.gov.za
