POTCHEFSTROOM – The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, cautions that dishonest and corrupt officers will suffer the consequences of their criminal conduct. This after four police officers made appearance in courts this week.
A 46-year-old Sgt Thapelo Rammekwa was granted R500.00 bail upon appearance before the Madikwe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 8 February 2023. He is expected to make a second court appearance on Wednesday, 8 March 2023.
The member was arrested on Tuesday, 7 February 2023, for theft and defeating the ends of justice. The Sergeant reportedly approached three yet to be arrested theft suspects in October 2022, and instructed them to accompany him to Tlokweng village where the stolen generator was sold. The member then confiscated the generator from the alleged buyer and instead of arresting the trio, he released and warned them not to disclose the incident to anyone. Moreover, he did not book the item into the exhibit register. The member’s conduct was consequently reported to the Provincial Anti-Corruption and Investigation Unit (ACIU).
In another case in Rustenburg, Sgt Maria Mosiamisi (46), Sgt Keaobaka Rantoane (34) and Sgt Thapelo Molifi (42) appeared before the local Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 8 February 2023, for corruption. They were each granted R2000.00 bail and are expected to reappear before the court on Friday, 14 April 2023.
According to information, the accused stopped the driver of a Nissan NP200 vehicle on Monday evening, 30 January 2023. They allegedly searched the vehicle, which was transporting tyres to Ventersdorp. The police officers further requested a proof of purchase of which the driver did not have in his possession. The police then demanded R10 000.00 from the driver before he can be allowed to proceed with the journey. He was allegedly taken to an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) to withdraw R1 500.00 and gave it to the trio.
The conduct of the trio was reported to the ACIU for investigations and that led to the arrest.
The Provincial Commissioner reiterated that corrupt employees are a disgrace to the Service and will be rooted out and dealt with effectively.
Source: South African Police Service