HAWKS OFFICIALS ACCUSED OF THEFT AND CORRUPTION RELEASED ON BAIL
Johannesburg – Four law enforcement officials, including three members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Gauteng and one officer from the Gauteng Highway Patrol, along with two civilians, have been granted bail of R3,000 each by the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court. The group faces charges of theft and corruption. The accused are Captain Letlhogonolo Andrew Molatlhegi (59), Warrant Officer Mabutho Masina (46), Constable Mpho Irvyn Netshivhera (30), Constable Nhlamulo Matsilela (30), Simon Mapusi Rakuba (47) and Lebogang Tseto (41).
The arrests were executed by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team following a complaint lodged by a shop owner at Dragon City. It is alleged that during a police operation, officers confiscated a substantial sum of money, closed the business, and detained several employees. The owner, who was not present at the time, later reported the matter. Subsequent investigations led to the officers being traced to Newtown, where they were allegedly found in possession of a large amount of unregistered cash. They were arrested along with two suspected civilian accomplices.
During the bail proceedings, the Investigating Officer read out the affidavit and confirmed that none of the accused had pending cases and that they had fully cooperated during their arrests. The court found that their release was in the interest of justice. The matter has been postponed to 29 August 2025 for further investigation.
