A Johannesburg metro cop who was caught in a hijacked truck in De Deur on Thursday was already under suspension for taking a bribe, it emerged on Thursday night.
Johannesburg metro police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said the 40-year-old police officer took a R230 bribe from a motorist on February 19.
Charges of hijacking and bringing the metro police into disrepute will now be added to the charge sheet before his disciplinary hearing, said Minnaar.
”The metro police does not need such corrupt individuals … We need good officers who can serve the community with respect and dignity,” he said.
The police officer was arrested on Thursday when he and two other men were caught in a hijacked goods truck on the old Vereeniging Road in De Deur, in the Vaal Triangle, said police spokesperson Captain William Mcera.
Fitted with a tracking device, the truck was found by flying-squad police. The vehicle, which was carrying canned foods, had been hijacked by three men in Mpumalanga on Wednesday morning.
”While trying to flee from the scene, one of the three men was shot in the leg,” said Mcera. The wounded man was arrested together with the metro police officer, but the third man was still at large.
Four cellphones were seized and the truck was impounded.
”The third man is still to be apprehended.” said Mcera. — Sapa