| 2025/02/13 |
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Media Statement
MPUMALANGA – A former police officer, Samuel Bassie Mahlangu (61), was sentenced to three years imprisonment with an option to pay a fine of R15 000 by the Delmas Magistrate’s court on Wednesday, 12 February 2025 for defeating the ends of justice and tampering with evidence. Mahlangu’s sentence followed after he was summoned to appear in Delmas Magistrate’s court, on 14 May 2024 by the Hawks Middelburg based Serious Corruption Investigation. It is alleged that on 01 August 2023, members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and National Crime Intelligence, conducted a disruptive operation on illegal mining. It is alleged that during the operation, it was discovered that gold bearing material seized as exhibits was booked into the SAPS exhibits register at Delmas SAPS. According to the registers, Mahlangu signed receipt of the exhibits. On 02 August 2023, a member of National Crime Intelligence went to the Police Station to conduct further investigation on the exhibits. The investigation revealed that, Mahlangu disposed the gold bearing material as he alleged that he was not aware that the gold bearing material were exhibits. He pointed out where he dumped the exhibits in a bin used for garbage at the back of the Police Station. There was no disposal form or any indication in writing that the exhibits were disposed.
The former police member was sentenced to three years imprisonment with an option to pay a R15 000 fine. One year or R5000 was suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not found guilty for similar offenses during the period of the suspension.
Enquiries:
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