South African Police Service in Limpopo commended for the arrest of three police officers attached to Polokwane International Airport

MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms. Nakedi Kekana, has commended the South African Police Service in Limpopo, under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, for the arrest of three police officers attached to Polokwane International Airport.

The officers were arrested on Monday, 19 October 2026, by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, assisted by the Polokwane Tactical Response Team, for allegedly defeating the administration of justice and contravening the Immigration Act.

MEC Kekana says the arrest is a clear demonstration that no one is above the law – not even those entrusted to enforce it.

“This is a commendable and courageous act by the SAPS in Limpopo. We have said it before and we say it again: Limpopo is not a playground for corruption. Those who help criminals to evade the law must be dealt with decisively,” said MEC Kekana.

The arrest comes just a week after the province witnessed a surge in the number of illegal foreign nationals being intercepted by our traffic officers attached to the N1 – the N1 Brigade – who continue to work tirelessly along our national roads to enforce immigration and road traffic laws.

MEC Kekana says this latest arrest must send a clear warning to all law enforcement officers in the province, both in the blue and khaki uniform, that if they do not heed the message that it is business unusual, their uniforms will be changed into orange overalls.

“There is no place for corrupt officers in Limpopo. If you choose to protect criminals instead of the people of this province, you will face the full might of the law,” she said.

MEC Kekana further called on the SAPS team to continue with their work and to make further arrests. She says the remaining two suspects must also be brought before court, and no effort must be spared in ensuring that all those involved face justice.

The MEC has also confirmed that the fact that the arrested officers are attached to Polokwane International Airport does not affect operations at the airport. The said officers have already been replaced and it is business as usual at the airport, with all operations continuing normally.

The MEC has reiterated her Department’s continued support for the SAPS and traffic officers who remain committed to keeping Limpopo safe and corruption-free.