Law Enforcement officers showed no VIP treatment to a protection and security services cop who was caught selling dop out of a car boot.
A tip-off led to the arrest of the warrant officer, whose identity is known to the Daily Voice but cannot be revealed until he appears in court.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said the officers received information of a person selling alcohol at a taxi rank on Tuesday.
“Law Enforcement officers received a tip-off on Tuesday, 15 December of a person selling liquor from a vehicle at the Durbanville taxi rank.
“They responded and found several people crowding around the boot of the vehicle.
“The group dispersed when they spotted the officers.
“One individual who was questioned claimed not to have any connection with the vehicle, but was found in possession of a key which fit the vehicle,” he said.
Smith said when officers checked the boot, they found three cooler boxes filled with beers.
“The suspect claimed not to have any knowledge of the alcohol, but had just over R1 000 in cash in his hand,” he said.
“He claimed that he made the money selling meat, but officers could find no evidence to support this assertion.
“The suspect was arrested and detained at Durbanville SAPS on a charge of dealing in liquor without a relevant permit.”
A source close to the investigation said the officers found 58 quarts of alcohol inside the boot.
“The suspect was operating from a white VW Polo at the taxi rank,” he said.
“The Law Enforcement officers went there and saw the car parked on Wellington Road.
“I understand that the car was empty inside, with no occupant in sight.
“When the officers returned they found there were various 750ml beer bottles (10 Castle Lager, 8 Lion Lager, 7 Hansa Pilsener, 10 Castle Milk Stout and 23 empty beer bottles). They also found R1 127 in his possession.
“The car he was selling booze from is an official police rental car.”
The suspect’s SAPS ID card was in his possession during the arrest.
SAPS spokesperson Brenda Muridili confirmed that the officer was arrested for selling alcohol.
“A 44-year-old South African Police Service warrant officer attached to Protection and Security Services' (PSS) VIP Protection in Cape Town was arrested by Law Enforcement officers for selling alcohol,” she said.
“The member was released on a warning to appear in court on Monday, 21 December.”
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za