Const Gert Lubisi from eMbalenhle Police Station was charged with fraud, corruption and the use of a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent on Thursday, March 31.
This comes after a woman reported that she bought a Mercedes Benz in Pretoria four years ago and when she went to the municipality for a license disc the following year, she was told the car is suspected to be stolen.
She was not able to obtain the disc until she clears the vehicle.
It is alleged that the woman took the car back to her home as it was not roadworthy.
According to police, she allegedly told her friend about her car problem then her friend referred her to Cst Lubisi, claiming that he will be able to assist her.
It is also alleged that Lubisi called the complainant and explained to her that the police from Ermelo VIS will help her.
When the woman arrive at eMbalenhle Police Station, she told Lubisi that the car is at her home.
He checked the car at the house and found nothing was wrong with the car.
Const Lubisi allegedly promised to return the next day to take the vehicle to Ermelo, but he returned later on the same day and allegedly took the car. He said it was for safekeeping because the Ermelo VIS would impound it on the SAP 13 book.
When the Ermelo Police arrived in eMbalenhle, the car was not at the eMbalenhle Police Station.
The owner told the police members that Lubisi took the car.
Lubisi allegedly kept the Mercedes Benz for himself and R30 000 from the woman for helping her.
According to Brig Selvy Mohlala, Mpumalanga police spokesman, Lubisi allegedly threatened to sell the vehicle for R60 000 and then give the woman R30 000.
Lubisi also fitted the car with a new registration plate.
Brig Mohlala said Lubisi the Anti-Corruption Unit is investigating the case.
