POLICE SERGEANT AND CONSTABLE APPEAR IN COURT FOR CORRUPTION AND DEFEATING THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
POLOKWANE: On Tuesday, 23 July 2024, a police Sergeant and Constable made their appearance before the Mahwelereng Magistrate Court on charges of corruption and defeating the administration of justice following their arrests on the same day in the morning.
The two male suspects, identified as Constable Thabang Brian Ledwaba (31) and Sergeant Rapi Prince Sekopana (50), currently stationed at the Mahwelereng police station, were each granted bail in the amount of R1000.00. Their case has been postponed to the 22nd August 2024.
According to reports, on 2 January 2023, the accused officers responded to a complaint involving a male suspect who had been apprehended by community members in Ga-Molekane village over suspicions of possessing stolen property. Subsequently, the suspect was handed over to the officers, who then proceeded to transport him.
During the journey, the suspect allegedly contacted his sister to arrange for an undisclosed sum of money in exchange for his release. The sister managed to acquire the amount as required and delivered the cash along the N11 public road outside Molekane village.
After receiving the money, the suspect was promised to be released along the N11 road. However, he was later reported to have been dropped off at Mahwelereng Mall in Moshate crossing by the officers. Community members intervened, re-arrested the suspect, and escorted him back to the Mahwelereng police station for detention.
Following these events, the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit took charge of the investigation, resulting in the subsequent arrest of the implicated officers on charges of corruption and defeating the administration of justice after voluntarily surrendering themselves to the police.
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has expressed deep concern over the incident and urges the public to maintain their support for law enforcement efforts in combating crime across the province, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration regardless of prevailing circumstances.
“This arrest underscores in the principle that nobody is above the law, and those engaged in misconduct within the SAPS will be permanently removed from the organization.” Said the Provincial Commissioner
Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.
