Police arrest one of their own after the officer was caught dealing in drugs

Police arrested one of their own this weekend after the officer was caught dealing in drugs

Western Cape police said the Anti-Gang Unit arrested the officer in Kleinvlei after conducting a search operation and in the process, found the officer with a consignment of drugs.

‘’Police members attached to the Anti-Gang Unit conducted an intelligence driven operation in Kleinvlei on Saturday 19 April 2025. Upon arrival at the identified address they searched the premises and the occupants and, in the process, found a person in possession of a consignment of drugs. They detained the adult male, who is a member of SAPS, stationed at Cape Town Central SAPS, was detained for dealing in drugs,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

The officer, who is stationed at Cape Town Central SAPS is expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ court soon.

Meanwhile, the DA has called for an urgent, independent audit of all SAPS personnel serving in high-risk and sensitive positions, particularly those stationed in courts, correctional facilities, and specialised units such as anti-gang task teams.

According to its NCOP Member on Security & Justice, Nicholas Gotsell, the officer was allegedly found in possession of 965 mandrax tablets, a bankie of tik, and a toy firearm.

‘’This is not the officer’s first reported link to smuggling. While serving in the SAPS Metro K9 Unit, he was previously implicated in illicit activity. Despite this, SAPS leadership reassigned him to the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court, placing him in daily contact with detainees.’’

‘’This gross lapse in judgment has further eroded trust in the justice system. In the midst of a relentless gang and drug war on the Cape Flats, such negligence allows criminal syndicates to exploit weaknesses across the police, courts, and correctional services with impunity,’’ added Gotsell.

He highlighted other incidents, including a police officer in George was arrested after being caught with drugs; A Belhar officer was caught for possession of cocaine; and A Lentegeur police officer accused of smuggling drugs in a marked police vehicle with a Fancy Boys gang leader was initially fired for breaking the law, only to be quietly transferred to Dieprivier SAPS when Provincial Commissioner Lt Genl Thembisile Patekile overturned the dismissal.

‘’These patterns point to a broader institutional rot. The DA has written to Lt Genl Patekile demanding an urgent explanation as to why, firstly, the SAPS member was allowed to continue in such a sensitive position despite credible red flags and, secondly, why he was not fired after the first incident. The war on drugs demand ethical, credible policing,’’ added Gotsell.

 

Done by: Mitchum George