| 2024/10/25 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE – The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commends the recent arrest of a Police Constable and a reservist from the Lebowakgomo Police Station on charges including corruption and defeating the ends of justice. The reservist also faces charges related to housebreaking and theft. These arrests were effected on Friday night, 25 October 2024, following a thorough investigation initiated after credible information was received regarding the unlawful activities conducted by these officers. It is alleged that on 28 July 2024, a male individual was at home when two officers conducted a search, discovering dagga. They allegedly transported him and the dagga to the Lebowakgomo SAPS, where he was coerced into paying R1, 500. Unable to pay in cash, he was instructed to transfer the amount to one officer’s bank account. He was released without being charged. Upon realizing that proper procedures were not followed, the individual opened a case. Further investigation revealed that the reservist was involved in a housebreaking and theft incident in May 2023 in the Moletlane policing area. On that occasion, two police vans reportedly broke into a shop owned by a foreign national, stealing a substantial amount of cash and cigarettes, without filing any case or registering the evidence. The cases have been referred to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation, and warrants for the officers’ arrests were issued. The suspects, aged 40 and 42, are expected to appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 28 October 2024. More arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues. Additionally, a 36-year-old Police Sergeant from the Mokopane Police Station appeared in court on Thursday, 24 October 2024, facing corruption charges. He was granted bail of R5, 000, and his case was postponed to 26 November 2024. This 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. Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed these arrests, emphasizing that there is no tolerance for corruption within the ranks of SAPS. Those who tarnish the organization’s image will face the full consequences and wrath of the law. Ends
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