South African Police Officers Arrested for Stealing N1.9bn Jewelry from Nigerian National

Four police officers in South Africa have been arrested for allegedly stealing N1.9 billion worth of jewelry from a Nigerian citizen. Learn more about the case and its legal implications.

Four police officers in South Africa have been arrested on suspicion of robbery.

They stand accused of committing a high-profile robbery, allegedly stealing jewelry worth R20 million (roughly N1.9 billion).

The officers, named Jacobus Groenewald, Bradley Minnaar, Mthuthuzeli Mafanya, and Bathandwa Soldati, were present at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on October 3.

Reports suggest that the suspects conducted the robbery while wearing official uniforms and using police vehicles, alleging they were in pursuit of a wanted Nigerian national.

Nonetheless, they left behind vital evidence such as fingerprints and DNA, which ultimately resulted in their arrest.

It is thought that eight officers in total were involved in the robbery.

A source revealed that four of the eight officers involved in the entire operation have been caught.

Posing as authorities looking for a wanted person, they entered the residence of an affluent Nigerian and absconded with jewelry worth R20 million.

“They left fingerprints all over the crime scene, making off with luxury items such as Rolex watches, gold bracelets, emeralds, and ivory pieces—all from high-end brands. Despite clearly planning the heist, their execution was careless. According to a source, officers from various stations had formed a syndicate.”

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They went so far as to put fake number plates on their SAPS vehicles, yet the police tracking system still identified them at the crime scene.

In the police force, records of both DNA and fingerprints are maintained, allowing for an easy connection to be made with the crime once the homeowner filed a report.

The Provincial Community Police Board criticized their actions, describing it as a significant violation of public trust and damaging to confidence in the police force.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the arrests and announced that the investigation is being led by the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit.

Van Wyk reported that in the early hours of September 14, around 1:35 a.m., a house robbery occurred at the home of an international resident on Sunset Avenue in Llandudno. The incident allegedly involved multiple police officers and was first reported to Hout Bay Police Station before being handed over to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation.