News24 | Joburg police station commander arrested on theft, fraud charges

Police station commander, Colonel Logan Govender, was arrested in Norwood, Johannesburg. (Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp)

Norwood police station commander Colonel Logan Govender has been arrested for theft, fraud, and obstruction of justice.

The Gauteng legislature's community safety portfolio committee said the provincial Anti-Corruption Unit arrested Govender on Tuesday. 

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He appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday and was released on R3 000 bail.

The case was postponed to 29 May.

Committee spokesperson Thebe Khumalo said the allegations stem from an allegedly fraudulent operation orchestrated under the guise of confiscating goods valued at R165 000. 

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"The committee is deeply disappointed by the alleged conduct of the station commander, which undermines public trust in law enforcement and tarnishes the integrity of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

"Such actions, particularly by senior officials, are embarrassing, unacceptable and erode the confidence of communities in the criminal justice system," Khumalo said.

Khumalo added that Govender's arrest sent a strong message that no person, regardless of rank or position, was above the law.

"The committee commends the Gauteng provincial anti-corruption unit for this arrest and reaffirms its commitment to supporting efforts to root out corruption and criminality within law enforcement agencies.

"The committee further encourages members of the public to report any similar incidents of misconduct or corruption to the committee," he added.