SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR BRIBERY AND FRAUD OF VEHICLE DOCUMENTS
POLOKWANE A male suspect, Thabane Makane, 28, had appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court today, Thursday, 15 January 2026, on charges of bribery and fraud of vehicle documentation.
He is remanded in police custody until next Wednesday, 21 January 2026 for a formal bail application.
His arrest emanates from an inquiry about abondoned vehicle and illicit cigarettes, which were left by the suspects when they evaded arrest in Alldays on 23 December 2025. The police noticed a suspicious vehicle traveling at a high speed. They tried to stop it, but unfortunately, they drove away until they abandoned it and ran into the bushes. The vehicle was searched, and boxes of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R233 260.00 were seized.
Through investigations, the suspect was summoned to the station for further investigation.
On the morning or Tuesday,13 January 2026, the investigation team, Warrant Officer Patrick Makhalimela and Sergeant Isaac Mathivha conducted an interview with the suspect and the alleged vehicle owner. During the interrogation, the suspect pulled out a plastic rubber band containing R10 000 and attempted to bribe the officers. The Officers refused the bribe and instead arrested him for bribery.
Furthermore, it was discovered that the vehicle documents were tempered with. The suspect is facing charges of bribery and fraud.
The investigation continues
