'Get rid of rotten apples': Calls for accountability in SAPS after police officers arrested in drug scandal
Image: SAPS
Renowned security strategist, Andy Mashaile, a retired Interpol ambassador, has condemned the involvement of police officers in criminal activities.
His remarks were expressed in an interview with IOL, following the arrest of three Mpumalanga members of the South African Police Service's Flying Squad unit for allegedly using a marked SAPS vehicle to escort a vehicle loaded with dagga.
'It is extremely disappointing for law enforcement officers to use the resources of the State to pursue personal agendas, using resources of the State for personal gain. I hope and pray that the investigation will lead to the conviction of these suspects who were wearing blue before,' said Mashaile.
'I can't wait for a judgment that turns their outfits from the blue uniform into orange overalls. Imagine the resource constraints that the SAPS has, and these vehicles being used for the commission of a crime.'
Mashaile, the former Gauteng Community Policing Forum chairperson, has considerable respect for the Flying Squad unit of SAPS.
Renowned security strategist Andy Mashaile, a retired Interpol ambassador, spoke to IOL on the involvement of police officers in crime.
Image: Supplied
'The Flying Squad has been my favourite unit when I was the chairperson of the (CPF) board in Gauteng. Now that some of us are at a position where we can make a difference in terms of saving lives and creating a safe and secure environment, you get exposed to officers committing these crimes,' he said.
'I wish that within the confines of the law, they can spend no less than 15 to 20 years in jail for dealing in drugs and for defeating the ends of justice. I am disappointed and I wish to tell other law enforcement officers, especially from the Flying Squad, if you continue to do bad in that blue uniform, karma will get back at you.'
Mashaile appealed to community members across South Africa to stay alert, and to report criminal police officers. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
'Those wearing the blue uniform have the responsibility under the National Development Plan chapter 12 that says by 2030 the people of this country should be feeling safe, and they should actually be safe. Any agent that ensures that the people are not feeling safe by violating their own code of conduct, does not belong in the SAPS.'
He added that internal disciplinary processes of the SAPS must be sharpened to expel the rotten apples within the police service.
'If we want to deal with the rot within law enforcement we must expel those members who commit crime. Those who came into the SAPS pretending to be law enforcement officers, only to find that they are criminals, must be expelled and they must be made to feel the pain of the law,' said Mashaile.
The SAPS in Mpumalanga said three police officers, Sergeant Solomon Mebo, 49, Sergeant Jabulane Mbuyane, 43, and Constable Lavandre LaReservee, 32 appeared on Thursday before the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court facing charges of defeating ends of justice.
The accused police officers were granted bail of R1,500 each. The matter was postponed to 25 July.
Police said the two other suspects, Joel Mamba, 44, and Monica Zwane, 34, will appear in court on 17 June 2025 for bail application.
On Tuesday, the SAPS in Mpumalanga said the three police officers were intercepted and arrested as they were allegedly escorting a vehicle trafficking dagga along the N4 Road near Matsulu T-junction.
'According to a report, the three members were driving in a marked police vehicle and they were in full uniform. The members were on duty at the time and the vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, was carrying 107 bags loaded with dagga,' said provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
'The members from Matsulu SAPS received intelligence information about the dodgy activities and responded accordingly, and cornered the suspects. The three are facing charges in relation to corrupt activities that they were allegedly involved in,' said Ndubane.
The three police officers were allegedly using a marked police vehicle to escort a Toyota Corolla loaded with dagga in Mpumalanga.
Image: SAPS
'These members are also faced with the charge defeating the ends of justice. Other related charges could be added as the investigation continues.'
Ndubane said the arrested police officers are attached to White River Flying Squad and were arrested by SAPS members from Matsulu.
The other two suspects, Mamba and Zwane who were inside the vehicle that was transporting dagga, were nabbed alongside the members of the SAPS. These suspects are separately faced with a charge of dealing in dagga, and more charges could be added.
Police said the confiscated dagga is estimated to be worth millions of rands, and all five suspects - the three police officers and the two alleged drug traffickers - appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
Meanwhile, internal disciplinary actions will be instituted against the three police officers.
Acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has emphasised that no one is above the law, and if any police officer is found to have been involved in criminal activities, the law will take its course without any fear or favour.
[email protected]
IOL News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
19 minutes ago
- IOL News
'The police don't work!' Really? Let's weigh critique against evidence
Members of the South African Police Service preparing for the 2025 State of the Nation Address at the Castle of Good Hope. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers This pejorative chorus echoes from certain corners of society, often lacking context and driven by subjective, biased, and unfair characterisations. These claims, often border on disinformation- and they do a disservice to apparent facts. A simple search reveals the staggering reality: South Africa's correctional centres are critically overcrowded. As of early 2025, approximately 167,300 inmates are housed in facilities built for just 107,346 - an excess of about 60,000 individuals, resulting in an overcrowding rate of 56%. These aren't minor offenders- they include murderers, rapists, hijackers, and other hardened criminals. Let it be made abundantly clear: these inmates did not walk into custody voluntarily. Complex SAPS intelligence-led driven investigations - were coordinated by diligent, dedicated, hardworking men and women in blue, to bring about watertight cases resulting in these convictions. For instance – just recently, we have witnessed no less than noteworthy – prominent cases being brought before courts – whose outcomes were severe convictions – while others are still awaiting trials and sentences – among them they includes: Sibusiso Ncengwa, convicted for the murder of Sindiso Magaqa, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 7 July 2025. His co-accused, Sbonelo Myeza and Mbulelo Mpofana, will face trial in October 2025. Six suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane, executed in Durban on 10 February 2023. Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a Pretoria-based tenderpreneur, was also arrested in May 2025 following a high-profile investigation. He faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering, all linked to a botched hit on actress Tebogo Thobejane. But that's just the surface. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ His company, Medicare24, cancelled by the National Commissioner of Police Fannie Masemola upon realizing that there was something untoward – when it was controversially awarded a R360 million health services tender. In July 2025, four suspects - including alleged mastermind KT Molefe and former police detective Michael Tau - were arrested for the murder of DJ Sumbody, gunned down in Woodmead in November 2022. Firearms recovered from the scene are linked to ten other high-profile cases. Meanwhile, SAPS commercial crime investigators made significant strides: At least 12 Eskom employees were arrested for corruption-related offences in 2024/25, working with NAT JOINTS and internal security teams. Eight Transnet-linked individuals, including former executives, were arrested between July 2024 and June 2025: Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and Thamsanqa Jiyane - for a R93 million locomotive tender fraud. Zakhele Lebelo and Phathutshedzo Mashamba - for R10 million in kickbacks. Garry Pita - for irregular payments in the broader procurement scandal. These breakthroughs stem from meticulous investigations into state capture-era contracts - proof that the system works when led and given the support it deserves. We are witnessing progress within state-owned entities - locomotives are transporting people and goods to their various destinations; the restoration of Eskom has brought a halt to loadshedding – whose impact have severely devastated the economy, and energy is fuelling optimism and economic momentum. While internal controls by various state owned entities deserve recognition, we must not overlook the crucial role of SAPS investigators in safeguarding national integrity. Their work against complex white-collar crime is indispensable. To those who peddle cynicism and misinformation: dissent is valid, and holding institutions accountable is necessary. But criticism must be equitable, principled, and evidence-based - not reactive, selective, or prejudicial. 'When criticism is done objectively – with the intention to develop – and empower – will be the first to acknowledge our fallibilities and take corrective measures to improve – service delivery' says the National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola. * Thabo Moetji, South African Police Service (SAPS) Media Liaison. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Here's what to expect in the Jayden-Lee Meek matter today
After more than a week of stating their case, closing arguments in the Tiffany Meek bail hearing are expected in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on Monday. Meek, 31, from Fleurhof, faces charges of murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. Legal counsel are expected to give their closing arguments before Magistrate Annelin Africa, who is set to decide Meek's fate. Meek was arrested on July 11 and has been in custody since then. She previously urged the court to grant her bail as she is the sole breadwinner of her family and stated she could afford R5,000. Meek's lawyer, Noven Naidoo, concluded his cross-examination of the investigating officer on Friday. Naidoo brought up the fact that the police sergeant previously told the court it would be in Meek's best interest to stay behind bars. The court heard the public outcry from not only residents from Fleurhof, but South Africans at large, needed to be taken into consideration when making a judgment. The police sergeant said South Africans are angered at Meek, who was initially at the forefront for justice for her son, 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, yet she is now sitting in the dock for murder. Earlier this week, the court asked the investigating officer to provide the memorandum handed over to SAPS that he previously mentioned. Protest actions by residents at the Florida police station resulted in community activists calling for a police station in Fleurhof, more visible policing, and prioritising the murder of Jayden-Lee, days earlier.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Where are the Basotho military-style camps in South Africa? SAPS has found no evidence
National commissioner of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), advocate Borotho Matsoso said the information about Basotho getting military-style training at certain farms is legitimate. Image: Lesotho Mounted Police Service/Facebook The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it has not found any military-style camps training Basotho within South Africa's borders, following assertions by authorities in Lesotho. Last week, IOL reported that authorities in the Kingdom of Lesotho insist they have credible information about Basotho undergoing military-style training in certain farms within South Africa, as part of the growing campaign to fight for the contentious land in South Africa's provinces. The claimed land includes parts of Free State, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. On Sunday, the co-chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJoints) in South Africa, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili stated that investigations have been conducted in different parts of South Africa, but nothing has been found to back the Lesotho authorities' information. "Yes, we did receive an alert following the revelations made by the police commissioner of Lesotho. We were alerted by the statement that was on his social media account and we did not rest from the time that we received such. We have deployed all our operatives on the ground to establish the facts, including our bilaterals that we are having, because we do have bilaterals with Lesotho," Mosikili spoke to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika. She said several engagements were also made within the SAPS, bringing in provincial and national sections of the law enforcement agency, without discounting the alarm raised by the Lesotho police. "To date, I can confirm to South Africans as well as the national commissioner issued a statement (on Saturday) that with the reports that are at our disposal at this point, there is no such confirmation from the areas that we have deployed," said Mosikili. "We have not established any such training, but we are continuing as the security of South Africa to engage, and secondly, to have our operatives on the ground, to check. The appeal that I want to make to South Africans this evening is that if there is such, that they can observe, they need to alert the authorities, and we will do the necessary investigation. "To date, we have not established any training that is happening in South Africa that is of a military nature," she said. IOL previously reported that earlier this month, a Lesotho member of parliament, Dr Tshepo Lipholo, leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement, a political party that has been leading the charge in demanding the return of Lesotho's "stolen land" which is part of current-day South Africa, was arrested and charged in the mountain kingdom. Lipholo faces serious charges, including sedition and incitement, and is also accused of violating the dignity and reputation of Lesotho's royal family by allegedly declaring himself the 'paramount chief of Basotholand' and encouraging young Basotho to prepare for armed struggle. It is alleged that audio clips circulating on social media platforms prove these claims. Lipholo has been leading the charge, calling for certain sections of South Africa to be declared Lesotho's territory. Limpholo wants the land to be returned to the governance of Lesotho. Earlier this year, Lipholo travelled to the United Nations, where he submitted a claim that seeks to reclaim land lost during the colonial era. However, Lesotho's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations distanced itself from Lipholo, stating he was acting on his own agenda, and the UN trip was not sanctioned by the Maseru government. Last week, national commissioner of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), advocate Borotho Matsoso, told Newzroom Afrika that the information regarding the military-style training of Basotho in South Africa is credible. Matsoso said the militant group calls itself Malata Naha (land reclaimers) is active within the borders of South Africa and seems to be 'ready to take over'. 'It is not necessarily young Basotho, but Basotho nationals of different ages, we have discovered that they have been recruited to join this military training in some of the farms in South Africa. This is what we have come across. He added that the programme has the possibility of disrupting peace and security in the region. Some South African citizens, according to Matsoso, have been sucked into the military-style training programme at unidentified farms. [email protected] IOL News
