By Obakeng Maje

Police cannot hunt with the hounds and run with the hares-NWest Premier Thandi Modise

The arrest of two policemen for their alleged criminal activities over the weekend is commendable and should sent a unequivocal message to rogue policemen that “they cannot hunt with hounds and run with the hares”, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Monday.

In expressing appreciation that the arrest was a result of a tip-off from members of the public, Premier reiterated her earlier comment that the involvement of police in crime undermines the confidence that the public has on law enforcement therefore everything should be done to uproot elements within the police service involved in crime.

“We call on our communities to support efforts to rid the police service of criminal elements. There should be no place in the police service for officials who have a link with criminals and or involved in crime.” stressed Modise.

According to police, the two Gauteng policemen and two other men were arrested in Bakerville, near Lichtenburg on Saturday afternoon. They had purportedly bought two “diamonds” for R7 000, and on finding they were fakes, returned to confront the two sellers.

The suspects allegedly threatened and intimidated the house owner with death when 

 they could not find the sellers at the house where the deal was struck.

Captain Pelononi Makau confirmed that two police service pistols were seized when the four were arrested.

The four are expected to appear in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court today on charges of kidnapping and intimidation.