A police officer and a reservist were arrested in Polokwane, Limpopo, yesterday on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice. The duo allegedly demanded a bribe from a man allegedly found in possession of dagga.
THEY DEMANDED A BRIBE
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the crimes allegedly committed by the police officer and the reservist date back to July this year. "It is alleged that on July 28, 2024, a man was at home when two officers conducted a search and discovered dagga. The police officers allegedly transported the man to Lebowakgomo Police Station, where the suspects demanded that he pay an amount of R1,500, and when he wasn't able to pay in cash, he was instructed to make a transfer to one of the officer's bank accounts," Ledwaba said. The victim subsequently opened a case against them.
RESERVIST INVOLVED IN MORE CRIMES
More investigations into the reservist's conduct revealed that he was allegedly involved in more criminal activities. According to Ledwaba, in May 2023, the reservist was involved in a housebreaking in the Moletlane policing area. "On that occasion, two police vans broke into a shop owned by a foreign national, stealing a substantial amount of money and cigarettes without filing any case or registering the evidence," he said. The suspects, aged 40 and 42, are expected to appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrates Court tomorrow. Ledwaba added that more arrests are expected as the case continues. In another matter, a police sergeant from the Mokopane Police Station appeared in court on Thursday on corruption charges. He was granted R5,000 bail, and his case was postponed to November 26, 2024. Ledwaba said the arrest relates to an incident in 2022, where he allegedly released three sentenced prisoners in exchange for R1,500 instead of transporting them to Modimolle Correctional Centre. Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrests and emphasised that there is no tolerance for corruption within the ranks of SAPS. "Those who tarnish the organisation's image will face the full consequences and wrath of the law," she said.
