Two dom cops from Manenberg, who tried to intercept an apparent diamond deal and steal the uncut stones for themselves, are behind bars after they were caught in a trap.
The arrest of a newly appointed lieutenant-colonel, 53, and a constable, 33, caused a stir at the Manenberg SAPS on Wednesday as officers watched how blue lights were removed from the suspects’ private vehicles.
Acting station commander, Colonel Sanele Zama, says the case has confused everyone after the cops were dragged into their own station by the Flying Squad.
“What we have been told is that the two members were allegedly part of a diamond deal in Montana,” Zama tells the Daily Voice.
“They were on duty and left the station allegedly in their private vehicles which they had fitted with blue lights and gone to Montana.
“They apparently knew that some guy from Springbok was coming here to try and sell uncut diamonds and so they intercepted the deal in Montana to try and steal the stones.”
Zama says the two cops allegedly kidnapped a man and woman involved in the deal, but were pulled over by cops.
‘STONES FAKE’: Colonel Zama
“They even allegedly abducted a coloured man and woman involved in the deal and it was found that the stones were fake.
“We have no idea where they got information about diamonds. [I], as their commander, have no knowledge of diamonds here in our precinct.”
He says it has since been established that officers from other stations were apparently also involved and the group had planned to “scare” the smugglers with the blue lights and police bullet proof vests.
“They have been charged for the (illegal use of the) lights and the vests and will appear in the Athlone [Magistrates’] Court [Friday].”