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Three EMPD officers allegedly stole a large quantity of cigarettes, in 2022
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) assistant director Thulani Magagula has disputed a notion from the City of Ekurhuleni that it was not aware of a matter regarding three of its metro police officers being involved in the theft of cigarettes.
The incident occurred in 2022 at a shop in Benoni, Ekurhuleni where three Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers allegedly stole a large quantity of cigarettes.
The officers were subsequently arrested and appeared in court, but the matter was provisionally withdrawn because the complainant did not show interest.
MADLANGA COMMISSION | IPID Assistant Director Thulani Magagula is testifying on a corruption and impersonation case involving a citizen’s precious stones. pic.twitter.com/mgZj6fAnCq
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 13, 2026
MADLANGA COMMISSION | IPID Assistant Director Thulani Magagula states the cigarettes in the shop were lawfully there, as the owner had purchased them. pic.twitter.com/64pNg4YJE2
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 13, 2026
Magagula told evidence leader Advocate, Mahlape Sello that it is untrue for the City to say it was unaware of the matter because he is the one who made the arrest.
“Are you aware of a complaint from EMPD or any of its senior managers that the EMPD does not have information regarding this matter and therefore, are not in a position to take steps against their members? Are you aware of such complaints to IPID,” asks Sello.
“I’m aware because I heard. But when you look at it, when I effected arrest, they were present. So, I do not know if they say that they are not aware whilst I effected that arrest in their own offices,” says Magagula.
VIDEO | Madlanga Commission | IPID Assistant Director Thulani Magagula testifies
