Two police officers at SAPS Pienaar in Mpumalanga were arrested for assisting a tavern owner to transport beef. The two cops escorted three bakkies loaded to capacity with liqour to assist the trader to evade the law enforcement agents.
Three vehicles which belong to the tavern owner were impounded. The officers together with the tavern owner were taken into custody. The officers are accused of participating in an unlawful act and the tavern owner to transporting illegal goods according to the rules and regulations of the national lockdown.
In line with the SAPS Anti-Corruption Strategy, the National Commissioner, General Sitole sanctioned the investigation into the conduct of the SAPS members. The pair risk being dismissed from work if they are found guilty of the crime.
The Minister of Police Bheki Cele is arranging a meeting with SAPS and liqour traders to find an understanding as cases of illegal liqour trading are increasing.
Minister Cele warned liqour traders against illegally procuring, transporting and selling liqour during the national lockdown.