POTCHEFSTROOM – A 34-year-old police officer is expected to appear before the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane on Monday, 7 February 2022, on a charge of corruption. The suspect was apprehended by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) on Friday, 4 February 2022, during a controlled operation.

According to reports, a vehicle belonging to a stock theft related case was impounded and booked in as evidence in January 2022. Subsequent to the suspect’s court appearance, his case was withdrawn for further investigations. Thus, the suspect was released from detention. He allegedly got a call from the police officer who promised to release his vehicle provided he pays a certain amount. The man consequently reported the matter to the police who commenced with investigations. The man allegedly arranged to meet with the police officer on Friday, 4 February 2022, to hand him the money that he requested to release the vehicle. They ultimately met at the man’s house where the police officer was arrested by members of the ACIU after collecting the money which was found in his possession.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the ACIU members for their excellent work in netting the police officer. He said further that corrupt employees have no place to hide in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and that those who are involved in criminal activities, will be brought to book to face the full might of the Law.

Source: South African Police Service