MEC Reagen Allen criticizes the theft of weapons from Mitchells Plain Police Station

The theft of firearms at the Mitchells Plain Police Station has drawn the attention of the Western Cape's Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen.

Fifteen firearms and eight imitation firearms that were used in criminal activities were stolen in November 2023. According to SAPS, a similar incident occurred at the same police station in 2017. Back then, fifteen firearms were also stolen, which led to the suspension of the then station commander, Brigadier Cass Goolam. Five officers were also involved in the crime.

The latest incident, according to SAPS, occurred over a six-month period.

“The theft of 15 firearms and eight imitation firearms was discovered on 2023-11-21, which was stolen over a period of about six months. The officer was apprehended three days after the firearms were discovered missing,’’ said Colonel Andre Traut.

Traut said the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Detective Constable Lubabalo Malongwe, has since been dismissed from SAPS and he is due back in Mitchells Plain Magistrates court on 2 February to face the charges against him.

He added that the police’s Anti-Corruption unit is investigating the matter while the stolen firearms are yet to be recovered.

Meanwhile, MEC Allen says he is angered by this matter.

"This matter is deeply concerning. The alleged breach is highly unacceptable and I am deeply angered to learn, through the media, about this matter. It is vital that it can be established where the alleged stolen firearms are and that they are immediately retrieved. Should it also be found that any of these firearms have been used to commit a crime the one responsible for its loss or sale should also be charged to this effect ", said Reagen Allen, Western Cape's MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety.

He reminded the public of a up to R5 000 reward to report any illegal firearms.

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa