The South African Police Service has detained four of its officers for allegedly robbing a Nigerian rapper of jewellery valued at R20 million, which is approximately N1.9 billion.
The suspects, Jacobus Groenewald, Bradley Minnaar, Mthuthuzeli Mafanya, and Bathandwa Soldati, reportedly broke into the Nigerian national’s home in Llandudno, Cape Town, on September 14 and stole his jewellery.
Reports indicate that the officers were caught by the SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit and are accused of orchestrating a robbery at the artist’s residence.
Groenewald, Minnaar, Mafanya, and Soldati appeared in Wynberg Magistrate’s Court last Thursday facing charges of aggravated robbery.
A source from Cape Argus disclosed that the policemen were part of a group of eight who allegedly used their SAPS uniforms and vehicles to rob unsuspecting individuals in the affluent neighborhood.
“They went to the home of a wealthy Nigerian and informed those inside that they were searching for a wanted Nigerian, but instead, they stole jewellery worth R20 million,” the media reported.
“They were so careless that they left their fingerprints all over the house while stealing Rolex watches, gold bracelets, emeralds, and ivory items. Everything was of high value. Although they are stationed at different locations, they essentially formed a syndicate,” the source added.
