Two police officers from the Phalaborwa police station in Limpopo are facing theft charges after allegedly stealing copper. The officers, aged 43 and 50, were responsible for disposing of seized copper exhibits from various criminal cases. However, instead of following proper procedures, they sold the copper for personal gain.
The officers were authorized to handle the copper, which had been seized during criminal investigations around Phalaborwa in February 2024. But when the exhibits were processed, only a portion of the proceeds was deposited into the police station’s finances. One officer later sold the remaining copper to a local scrap dealer without authorization, pocketing the cash.
An investigation into the theft was launched, and the case was handed over to the Limpopo Anti-Corruption Unit for further action. After thorough inquiries, both officers were charged with theft and are scheduled to appear in court on February 24.
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe praised the investigation’s success, emphasizing the importance of rooting out corruption within the police force. “This will help in ridding the province of any corrupt activities,” she said.
