NELSPRUIT – On Tuesday the duo, thought to be faithful public servants, Constable Justice Maleka 37 and Prosecutor Tumelo Malesa 32 have appeared before the Evander Magistrate’s Court for allegations of corruption. Maleka is stationed at Embalenhle while Malesa works at the Evander Magistrate’s court.
It is alleged that the suspects worked in cahoots to solicit money from a house breaking suspect arrested in October whose case has been withdrawn as the court did not find sufficient grounds to prosecute. Maleka misrepresented information about the case by telling the suspect, who is complainant in this case, that he “will make the docket disappear” in exchange for cash.
The complainant made arrangements for the handing over of money and informed the police who held a sting operation yesterday 04 November 2013. Maleka drove to the complainant’s work place to collect the money in a marked police vehicle. The complainant allegedly gave Maleka R2000. After that transaction Maleka left and drove to the direction of Evander.
The police stopped him, searched the vehicle, found R2000 and arrested him. The police went to Evander Magistrate’s Court to arrest Malesa.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thulani Ntobela has congratulated the police for showing no mercy to law breakers. “No one is above the law and it is also disturbing when officials who are tasked with the responsibility to uphold the law, are the ones who are breaking it. The arrest of the prosecutor and the constable will send a clear message to other civil servants who are also behaving in a questionable conduct”, said Ntobela.
“Civil servants are supposed to present and demonstrate a pleasant behaviour which is approved by all walks of life. The allegations levelled against these two officials are very serious in nature and are bringing the good and reputable name of their professions into disrepute, however, as it is said that one is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, we will wait for the law to take its course,” concluded Ntobela.
In the meantime, constable Maleka will be dealt with in accordance with the internal investigation of the South African Police service.
Both suspects were released on bail of R1500 each and are expected to make their second appearance on 13 January 2014.
