The Hawks arrested five JMPD officers on charges of alleged corruption and defeating the ends of justice on June 24.
They were pounced on during a sting operation conducted at the JMPD Operations Centre in Wemmer, following an incident which happened in Cleveland, in March. According to Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Capt Ndivhuwo Mulamu, the officers had allegedly solicited a bribe of R15 000 from a motorist.
“They were on random stop-and-search patrols in Cleveland precinct during which time they allegedly stopped a car with a single occupant inside. Upon searching the suspect and the vehicle, the officers seized an unlicensed firearm, but instead of arresting the suspect, they proceeded to demand a R15 000 payment before releasing him,” said Mulamu.
A case docket was presented to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for a final decision after the alleged corruption was reported to and subsequently investigated by the Hawks.
“After investigations into the matter, warrants of arrest were secured against the five. They appeared before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court yesterday (June 24) where they were each released on R2 000 bail, pending their next appearance,” said Mulamu.
Patrick Njova (38), Simphiwe Diko (36), Siyabulela Kheswa (36), Smanga Mthethwa (33), and Fumani Maluleke (26) will next appear at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on October 13. Investigations continue.
