Policeman who tried to destroy drunk-driving evidence in a microwave is arrested

A policeman who wanted to destroy blood samples from drunk driving tests in a microwave — in return for bribes — had to face the disgrace of being arrested in front of his colleagues this morning.

The 45-year-old police warrant officer was arrested by members of the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit when he reported for duty at the Pinelands police station.

He is being detained on a charge of corruption and is due to make a court appearance in Goodwood once he has been charged.

“It is alleged that the suspect approached suspects who were arrested in driving under the influence cases and offered to destroy their blood samples in exchange for money‚” the Western Cape police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Andrè Traut said in a statement.

“Investigations have discovered that exhibits were indeed contaminated by possibly heating blood samples in a microwave oven.”

Traut said this would not be condoned: “We are serious about rooting out corruption in the police and every endeavour will be made to get rid of police officers who are engaged in corrupt activities“.