By Obakeng Maje

Zeerust-North West police arrested five suspects including two K9 police officers after they allegedly stole illicit cigarettes from a truck.

The incident took place at Zeerust in the early hours of Friday.

“Police were informed by a member of a community that police are stealing illicit cigarettes from a truck parked at the Zeerust Police Station” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.

They were allegedly offloading cigarettes from a truck and loading them in a police bakkie.

Police who were on patrol at that time, allegedly monitored their move.

K9 police were followed and stopped at shalimapark, near Zeerust and requested to open the bakkie.

“Police found three suspects at the back of the bakkie and 12 stolen illicit cigarettes”

Police suspects were ordered to drive back to the police station where they were booked off-duty” mokgwabone said. 

It is alleged that arrested police did not follow instructions of their senior, and drove off with the state bakkie without any authorisation.

They were subsequently arrested along with three suspects and will appear before Zeeruzt Magistrate Court for being in possession of stolen goods,car theft and using state vehicle without authorisation.

The illicit cigarettes found in their possession is worth street value of R25 000.

Police investigations continue.