South Africa’s Hawks Arrest Police Sergeant for Cattle Theft in Eastern Cape

In a groundbreaking operation, the East London Hawk’s Serious Corruption Investigation Unit has apprehended a 46-year-old police sergeant implicated in a serious case of fraud and theft. The arrest, which took place on 18 December 2024, casts a shadow on the law enforcement community in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The sergeant, who served in the Stock Theft Unit at Alice, is accused of exploiting his authority in an illicit scheme involving the theft of livestock. This incident traces back to 29 June 2021, when a complainant traveling to East London was intercepted by police officers, including the accused. The officers conducted a search and falsely declared that the four cattle being transported were stolen. Despite the complainant providing legitimate proof of purchase, he was arrested, and his livestock were seized and subsequently moved to a local pound.

Investigations reveal that although the criminal charges against the complainant were dropped, his attempts to reclaim his cattle were fruitless. The accused reportedly manipulated the situation by booking the cattle out of the Enoch Mgijima Municipality pound on 16 July 2021— merely a day after they were impounded—and unlawfully transferred them to an acquaintance.

The integrity of this case has been upheld by rigorous investigations led by the Hawks, culminating in the sergeant's arrest on 18 December 2024. The officer is slated for a court appearance at the Queenstown Magistrates court on 19 December 2024. Brigadier Fernando Luis, the acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, commended the East London SCI team for their steadfast efforts in bringing this case to light, ensuring that justice is pursued.

This arrest is part of a broader effort by South African authorities to clamp down on corruption within police ranks, particularly in units entrusted with combating specific crimes like stock theft. This case not only highlights the challenges within the South African Police Service but also demonstrates the effectiveness of oversight and investigative bodies like the Hawks in addressing these issues.