Police who ‘fled robbery’ charged with dereliction of duty

According to a report in The Mercury, this was revealed after the completion of a high-level investigation into the policemen’s alleged misconduct during the attack by a 15-man gang of robbers on a security van in October. North West police spokesperson Piet du Plessis yesterday confirmed that the policemen had been charged with failing to execute their duties as required by the police service. ‘They have been charged with contravening a regulation and failing to comply with the duties of a police official by not immediately reacting to an armed robbery, which occurred in their presence,’ he said. Du Plessis added that depending on the outcome of the internal hearing, they faced possible suspension or dismissal from the police service. Full report in The Mercury (subscription needed)