Two cops granted R3000 bail over truck looting incident

Limpopo police have intensified their investigation into the looting of a cargo truck carrying washing powder, arresting two more suspects, bringing the total to five, including three officers implicated in the crime.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that two more suspects, aged 39 and 51, were arrested at their homes on July 25 for their role in the July 14 looting of washing powder from a cargo truck. The pair are members of the public who allegedly took part in the brazen theft.

Previously, The Star reported on how a cargo truck transporting washing powder veered off the road, causing its load to spill onto the road.

As the driver attempted to manage the scene, chaos broke out, with bystanders, two police officers, and a SAPS cleaner allegedly seen helping themselves to the scattered goods.

Instead of assisting, the officers reportedly loaded the detergent into a marked police vehicle and drove off, ignoring the driver’s pleas to stop the looting. The driver, however, managed to gather critical information, which helped spark an investigation and led to several arrests.

Some of the stolen items were later found at the residence of one of the implicated police officers.

Ledwaba added that the three suspects, all employed by SAPS in Modimolle, were arrested for theft and defeating the ends of justice. They have since appeared in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on July 25, where they were each granted bail. Their next court appearance is set for October 2.

"Warrant Officer Frans Ndlovu (55) and Warrant Officer Lesiba Boya (49) were granted bail of R3000 each. Meanwhile, Cleaner Lucas Moima (50) was granted R5000 bail. They will appear again on 02 October 2025 for further Police investigation."

The two newly arrested suspects are expected to appear in the local Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 28 July 2025, to face theft charges.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za