A Western Cape police officer has been arrested after being found in possession of explosives.
According to Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, the arrest stems from information received on February 13, 2022, after a Sergeant from the Mossel Bay Explosives Unit was contacted by a Sergeant from the Langeberg K9 Unit in Mossel Bay regarding an operation linked to the recovery of a suspected M26 hand grenade.
“The K9 Sergeant reportedly informed their counterpart from the Explosives Unit about an operation scheduled for February 14, 2022, to recover a suspected M26 hand grenade.”
She added that on the day of the operation, the explosives unit was called to a scene next to the N2 highway near Kwanonqaba to inspect the suspicious device, which was later confirmed to be an M26 hand grenade.
“Investigation showed that LCRC was not activated to the scene and that no arrest was made for possession of the explosive device,” she added.
However, Hani further revealed that the investigation showed an arrest had been made by the suspect on 14 February 2022, although the matter was never enrolled on the court roll. Subsequent inquiries reportedly identified the suspect as a registered police informer.
“A warrant of arrest was executed at Langeberg K9, Mossel Bay which led to the arrest of the official,” she added.
The suspect is scheduled to appear at Mossel Bay Magistrates Court on Thursday October 9.
Meanwhile, acting Western Cape Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Ramovha, commended the arrest of a police officer on October 8 by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in George on charges of possession of explosives.
The Star
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