Four South African Policemen Arrested for Stealing N1.9 Billion Worth of Jewelry from Nigerian National

Four South African police officers have been arrested for their involvement in the robbery of jewelry worth R20 million (N1.9 billion) from a Nigerian national. The officers, identified as Jacobus Adriaan Groenewald, Bradley Dimitri Minnaar, Mthuthuzeli Mafanya, and Bathandwa Soldati, appeared before the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on October 3, facing charges of aggravated robbery.

According to reports, the officers, wearing official uniforms and using police vehicles, staged the robbery under the guise of searching for a wanted Nigerian national. During the robbery, they allegedly stole luxury items including Rolex watches, gold bracelets, emeralds, and ivory artifacts. Despite their attempt to cover their tracks by using false number plates, they left behind critical evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, which led to their arrest.

A police source revealed that a total of eight officers were involved in the operation, with only four apprehended so far. “They formed a syndicate and targeted the home of a wealthy Nigerian, claiming to search for a wanted individual. But instead, they looted valuable jewelry and luxury items,” the source said.

The officers were caught after a police tracking system placed their vehicles at the scene. Additionally, their fingerprints, recorded in the police database, further linked them to the crime. The Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit, tasked with investigating the incident, confirmed the arrests.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk provided more details, saying, “On September 14, at around 1:35 AM, a house robbery occurred at the residence of a foreign national in Llandudno. Several police officers were allegedly involved. The case is now being investigated by the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit.”

The Provincial Community Police Board condemned the actions of the officers, stating that their betrayal had eroded public trust in law enforcement. Further investigations are ongoing as authorities pursue the remaining suspects