Four South Africa Police Officers Arrested for Alleged House Robbery in Mpumalanga
Four police officers attached to different units in Limpopo have been arrested along with a civilian in connection with an alleged house robbery that took place in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga.
The suspects have been identified as Sergeant Lesiba Lucky Shogole (40) and Constable Malesela Daniel Huma (34) from the Polokwane 10111 Flying Squad, Constable Thapelo McDonald Ledwaba (34) from Mahwelereng K9, and Constable Nthabiseng Sarafina Senama (34) from Lebowakgomo SAPS. They were arrested together with a civilian, Johannes Komane (29).
According to reports, the group allegedly stormed a residence in Lydenburg and robbed Ethiopian nationals of cash and several boxes of illicit cigarettes. It is alleged the suspects used three vehicles during the robbery — a marked SAPS Golf GTI, a grey Toyota double cab bakkie, and a seven-seater Suzuki or Avanza.
The marked police vehicle and the bakkie were later seized, and investigators discovered that both had their registration numbers tampered with using black tape.
During the investigation, police recovered illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R1.5 million, R950 000 in cash, and two service firearms belonging to the arrested officers. It was also established that the officers were off duty and not assigned any official work in Mpumalanga at the time of the incident.
The suspects appeared in the Mashishing Magistrate’s Court facing charges of house robbery, possession of illicit cigarettes, and defeating the ends of justice. The case was postponed to Friday, 17 October 2025, for further bail proceedings.
All five accused remain in custody.
