Mankweng community man alleges cops are in cahoots with criminals
Community representative Malesela Mehlape voiced concerns about potential corruption within the local justice system, alleging that some police officers may be colluding with criminals through bribery.
POLOKWANE – Last Wednesday, 13 foreign nationals were apprehended following a violent altercation with two police officers in Mankweng, Unit F.
The officers, who were investigating a drug dealer in the area, were reportedly attacked with stones and assaulted by the suspects, leading to their hospitalisation for injuries sustained during the incident.
Read more: Thirteen foreign nationals arrested for attack on Mankweng police
Community representative Malesela Mehlape condemned the attack, expressing concern that such actions undermine the integrity of the country’s law enforcement system. The suspects, aged between 20 and 42, face charges including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and murder.
The confrontation occurred on July 16 when the officers were pursuing a drug-related investigation. The suspects had managed to evade arrest until last week when they were finally apprehended.
In the wake of the incident, Mehlape voiced concerns about potential corruption within the local justice system, alleging that some police officers may be colluding with criminals through bribery.
He also highlighted several eateries owned by foreign nationals in Mankweng, suggesting that these establishments might be fronts for illegal activities. According to Mehlape, these businesses, which often serve cuisine unfamiliar to locals, have raised suspicions among residents about possible covert operations.
Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe assured the public that the suspects would face the full might of the law and emphasised that provincial authorities would “not tolerate such brazen acts of violence against our police officers”.
