An employer has appealed for public assistance after claiming that his immigrant gardener was allegedly robbed by police officers while travelling to work in Wierdapark, Gauteng, leaving him without his bicycle and R950 in cash.
Gideon Le Roux said John was on his way to work last week Tuesday morning when he was allegedly stopped by people he believed to be members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) just a few houses from his home.
“Four houses down from where he lives, he was stopped by SAPS [allegedly] wanting to see his passport,” Le Roux said.
He alleged that the officers demanded to see John’s passport. When John reportedly told them he would fetch it, they allegedly refused to allow him to do so and instead allegedly forced him into a police van along with the bicycle his employer had given him as a gift.
“They took him to a quiet area, took R950 from him and said he needs to give them more, where he said that’s all he has,” Le Roux claimed.
He further alleged that John was later dropped off in the Wierdapark area while the officers allegedly drove away with the bicycle.
The incident has left Le Roux frustrated and determined to recover the bicycle, which he said held sentimental value because it was a gift intended to make John’s daily commute easier.
“Let’s get his bike back and get these absolute [alleged] ridiculous thugs in uniform to become famous for their ‘service’.”
The allegations gained traction on social media, prompting a response from Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, who confirmed that the matter is being investigated.
“The members have been identified, and a departmental case has been opened against them. A criminal case will also be opened as the station management has traced and arranged with the complainant for statement taking,” Nevhuhulwi said.
She added that the allegations would form part of the official investigation and encouraged members of the public to report incidents of police corruption through formal channels.
“Although it is all good to raise awareness on social media, it should not end there, the public should formally report these matters so that statements under oath may be obtained to build strong cases that can stand trial and eventually ensure the perpetrators are dealt with accordingly,” she said.
IOL News
