An Eastern Cape police captain charged with the possession of stolen goods was released on bail by the Qumbu Magistrate’s Court on Saturday.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Superintendent Mzukisi Fatyela said Qumbu station Captain Simbongile Bethwell Niki appeared in court on Thursday on charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and stock cards, as well as defeating the ends of justice.
Niki was allegedly found in possession of two R5 rifles, one Z88 pistol, a shotgun and ammunition. The pistol was police issue, but did not belong to Niki.
One of the R5 rifles found in his possession was evidence that had gone missing in a 2005 murder case.
Niki was also found in possession of two stolen motor vehicles — a Ford Courier and a Toyota Hilux, 20 stock cards and various police dockets. The dockets were for cases that were supposed to be closed or taken to court.
Fatyela said it was suspected that Niki might be involved in some of the cases from the dockets.
One of the dockets taken was from the murder case in which the rifle found in Niki’s possession had gone missing as evidence.
Police are also now investigating if Niki was involved in stock theft because of the number of stock cards found in his possession.
The organised crime unit arrested Niki on Wednesday after following information about some of the missing firearms and vehicles.
On Thursday, he was granted R3 000 bail. He will reappear in court on April 30. He has been suspended without pay, said Fatyela. — Sapa