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
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