Three SA Police Officers Arrested Over Release of 45 Undocumented Zimbabweans

Three South African Police Service (SAPS) officers have been arrested for allegedly facilitating the release of 45 foreign nationals suspected to be undocumented Zimbabweans in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.

The officers, two men and a woman aged between 44 and 49, are attached to Polokwane International Airport. They were arrested on Monday evening, 19 October 2026, by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, assisted by the Polokwane Tactical Response Team.

The case stems from an incident on 17 April 2025, when a traffic officer intercepted a 22-seater Mercedes-Benz minibus along the N1 near Polokwane. The vehicle was carrying 46 undocumented foreign nationals believed to be Zimbabweans.

The minibus was taken to the Polokwane N1 Weighbridge for processing, and police officers from Polokwane International Airport were called to assist.

According to police, five officers arrived at the scene and informed the traffic officer that they had arranged with the station commander to transport the foreign nationals to Polokwane SAPS.

However, when the station commander and the arresting officer later followed up at the police station, neither the five officers nor the foreign nationals could be found.

The matter was subsequently referred to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation.

Following investigations, the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that all five officers be charged in connection with the incident.

Three officers have since been arrested and are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

Police said efforts to locate and arrest the remaining two suspects are ongoing.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers welcomed the arrests.

The officers face allegations relating to the disappearance of the foreign nationals, with the case now proceeding through the criminal justice system.