Libode police officers charged with corruption after taking bribe money

Two police sergeants, a man and woman aged 38 and 46, briefly appeared before the Libode Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of corruption.

Both are stationed at the Libode Police station.

They were arrested in connection with corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana confirmed that their case was postponed until March 20, 2023 for a formal bail application. Both were remanded in custody. He said their names could not be mentioned because they were not asked to plead.

“The arrests followed after the victim of corruption approached the police’s Anti-corruption unit after he was pointed out by a person who accused him of having committed an offence and was subsequently arrested.

"According to information the suspects (police officials) informed him that if he paid a certain amount of money to them, they would in turn ensure that he would not be detained,” said Kinana.

He added that they then demanded gratification, which was subsequently paid to them by the victim, who feared detention.

Kinana said the victim managed to pay a sum of R3 000 cash. He was further ordered to ensure that an outstanding balance of about R1 500 was paid.

“They also handed documents relating to the case to him, in order for him to burn them. This would have ensured that the case against the victim was wiped out without any possible trace.

"Indeed after the money was deposited, an amount of R1 500 was ultimately found hidden in-between the police officer’s dockets in the drawer. This made up R4 500 of the total amount demanded by officers from the victim as a form of gratification.”

The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zithulele Dladla has vowed that the South African Police Services in the Eastern Cape will continue to ensure that SAPS members who continue to bring the organization’s name into disrepute are held accountable for their actions.

"They will be flushed out of the system should they be found guilty of the offences with which they are charged," said Dladla

ISSUED BY SAPS