Police Officer Arrested for Shoplifting

I really find it ironic that after SAPU obtained an interdict to prevent the SAPS from disarming police officers deemed unfit to carry a firearm, an article appears in today's paper regarding one being arrested for shoplifting in East London. Apparently the 47-year-old warrant officer was in his full uniform and on duty when he tried to steal food from Shoprite. He was stopped by security officers at the store and he admitted that he intended to leave with the goods without paying for them. He was carrying his gun at the time that was taken by the police that were called by the security officers.

Fortunately the incident ended peacefully. I honestly have no idea what could have motivated this officer to do this. But I do not think that he was in his right mind. Lack of impulse control in the form of kleptomania is a serious psychological illness and is usually a symptom of other underlying psychological issues.

People steal for various reasons, ranging from poverty to criminality. Research has shown that people can become addicted to certain dopamine secreting activities such as stealing, gambling, eating, sex, drugs and alcohol. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain's reward and pleasure centers, helps regulate movement and emotional responses, and it enables us to see rewards and take action to move toward them. The listed activities are normally a faulty way for one to cope with unwanted thoughts and feelings. Various other psychological disorders such as bipolar disorder, severe depression, anxiety, dissociative disorder and even trauma can cause people to steal and this is why the SAPS wanted to disarm officers suffering from these issues. 

This particular officer was detained shortly at the police station and was later released with a warning. The SAPS is saying that he should not be given his gun back until his case is finalized. SAPU is saying he should have his gun back to prevent him feeling victimized and marginalized. 

This story in East London could have ended very badly and it's really hard to know what exactly motivated this officer to do this. But whether it was due to some underlying psychological issue or criminality; having him continue to carry a weapon is a danger to himself, society and other officers. Because maybe next time instead of allowing them to lead him away peacefully, he might decide to stand his ground and shoot.

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