Cape Town Police Officer Arrested After Getting Caught Trying to Steal Groceries from Woolworths
A Cape Town police officer has been dismissed from the South African Police Service (SAPS) after he was caught attempting to steal a trolley full of groceries from Woolworths at Canal Walk mall.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of law enforcement personnel.
Police Officer Caught with Stolen Groceries
According to IOL, Warrant Officer GF Madeley, stationed at Nyanga Police Station, was arrested after being stopped by store security at Woolworths.
According to court documents, he entered the store pushing a trolley loaded with empty bags, which he then filled with groceries. When he was approached by security and questioned about the unpaid goods, Madeley attempted to flee.
His arrest led to internal disciplinary proceedings within SAPS, where he faced charges of misconduct and theft. He was also accused of tarnishing the image of the police service.
Also Read: Mother Arrested for Murder of 11-Year-Old Son Jayden-Lee Meek
Guilty Plea and Personal Struggles
During a disciplinary hearing in February 2022, Madeley pleaded guilty to all charges. In his defence, he cited nearly two decades of service in SAPS, a clean record, and personal hardships.
He revealed he had been facing financial difficulties and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. A psychiatric report submitted during the hearing suggested he may have acted while absent-minded.
Despite these claims, SAPS argued that the theft appeared to be a calculated act. Officials pointed out that Madeley had multiple chances to correct his actions before his arrest but chose instead to flee, undermining the trust expected from a law enforcement officer.
SAPS Appeals “Lenient” Sanction
Initially, the disciplinary chairperson handed Madeley a two-month suspension without pay. However, SAPS viewed this outcome as far too lenient and pursued the matter in the Labour Court, seeking to have the ruling reviewed and overturned.
In its submission, SAPS stressed that the disciplinary ruling had failed to take the seriousness of the misconduct into account and that no reasonable decision-maker would have issued such a mild sanction. The Labour Court agreed with this position and ultimately upheld the dismissal of Madeley, who did not oppose the application.
Reputation Damage and Breach of Trust
SAPS maintained that the actions of Warrant Officer Madeley severely damaged the image of the police force and constituted a clear breach of the code of conduct.