The warrant officer was arrested after community members informed the police about roofing timber planks, that were stolen during an incident in which a truck, carrying roofing timber planks was hijacked on May 6 in Phola Park, Kwabokweni.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the police followed up on the information and went to a house belonging to a police officer.
“The alleged building materials were then found and police believed that they were stolen during the said hijacking incident. Warrant Officer Elvis Oswald Chirwa, aged 49 was arrested and charged for possession of suspected stolen properties,” he said.
Chirwa appeared at the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The case was postponed to Friday, for a formal bail application.
Mpumalanga provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, warned police officers who involve themselves in criminal activities that drastic steps would be taken against them without any hesitation.
