| 2024/05/24 |
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Media Statement WELKOM – Four warrants of arrest were issued after a former police constable, Khabo James Lephatsoe (32), did not turn up for trial in various cases where he is implicated for corruption, extortion and defeating the ends of justice. It is alleged that on 11 January 2018, the suspect and his other suspects approached a complainant to arrest her for possession of gold dust balls in Welkom. Instead, she was extorted out of three hundred thousand rand (R300 000) which was transferred from her bank account to the bank account given by the suspects. On 09 June 2021 he approached the complainant and promised to assist her husband in being released after he was arrested for illegal immigration in Welkom. He demanded R10 000 for the release of the husband, which was allegedly paid to him. On 17 February 2019 he borrowed a police vehicle to a civilian friend, and he was driving alone in Meloding when he bumped into another vehicle. When Lephatsoe was called to the accident scene, he pretended as if he was the driver of the State vehicle. The friend of Lephatsoe pleaded guilty and Lephatsoe was charged with defeating the ends of justice. On 12 May 2021 he was still attached to the Welkom FCS Unit investigating a case of sexual assault that occurred at Wesselsbron. He allegedly offered the prosecutor in the case a share from R5 000 he received from the family of the suspect so that the prosecutor could get rid of the docket. He is facing corruption and defending the ends of justice in this matter. The dismissed former constable ever attended the trial of all these cases and four warrants of arrest were issued. Should anyone know his whereabouts, they are requested to contact Detective Sergeant Vusimuzi Ngomane of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit on 071 683 8477. Alternatively, they can call the Crime Stop number, 08600 10111, or send an anonymous tip-off on the SAPS App. Ends
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