MOKOPANE – Two male police officers stationed at the Mahwelereng police station were arrested on July 23 on charges of corruption and defeating the administration of justice. Their names are withheld until they have pleaded in court.
The charges stem from an incident in January last year, when the officers responded to a complaint in Ga-Molekane village.
A male suspect had been apprehended by community members on suspicion of possessing stolen property and was handed over to the officers, who then transported him.
According to reports, during the journey, the suspect allegedly contacted his sister, arranging for an undisclosed sum of money in exchange for his release.
The sister managed to gather the required amount and delivered the cash along the N11 road outside Molekane village.
Upon receiving the money, the officers promised to release the suspect along the N11. However, the suspect was later dropped off at Mahwelereng Mall in Moshate Crossing.
Community members intervened, re-arrested the suspect, and escorted him back to the Mahwelereng police station for proper detention.
Following the incident, the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit launched an investigation, leading to the eventual arrest of the two officers who then voluntarily surrendered to the police and now face charges of corruption and defeating the administration of justice.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed deep concern over the incident, urging the public to continue supporting law enforcement in combatting crime and emphasising the importance of community collaboration, regardless of the circumstances.
“This arrest highlights that nobody is above the law, and those engaged in misconduct within the SAPS will be permanently removed from the organisation,” she stated.
The two officers appeared before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court, where each was granted bail of R1 000. The case has been postponed to August 22 for further proceedings.
