SAPS alarmed over cops leaving service for private sector or to engage in criminality

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has raised the alarm over a trend of skilled officers leaving the service to join the private sector or engage in criminal activity.

The most recent case study is former police officer Matiphandile Sotheni, who allegedly shot and killed Marius Van Der Merwe, a key witness at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Van der Merwe, who testified as Witness D, was allegedly shot by Sotheni outside his Brakpan home in December.

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Sotheni made his first appearance in the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Monday.

Police have described Sotheni as a very dangerous man, given the fact that he was part of the special task force.

The task force is the most elite unit within the SAPS, with its officers highly trained to neutralise threats with extreme accuracy.

Sotheni was a marksman in the unit, meaning he was specifically trained and highly skilled in precision shooting using snipers and rifles.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said it's unfortunate that such a highly skilled former officer is now allegedly involved in criminal activity.

“For us to train one member of the special task force costs more than R1 million. So, it tells you they are highly trained. He’s a sharpshooter. So that in itself has made him quite lethal and dangerous.”

Sotheni will return to court for a formal bail application next Wednesday.