NELSPRUIT - Three suspects including a female Police Captain were arrested on charges of corruption, defeating the ends of justice, extortion and kidnapping. The three (one female and two males) were nabbed in Witbank on Monday afternoon, 09 January 2023 around 15h30.

According to the report, 13 alleged undocumented persons were reportedly taken into a police marked van by the three suspects for hours whereby a bribe of R10 000 was demanded from them for their freedom. It is further alleged that these individuals were working at a certain construction site in Witbank. Apparently the owner of the premises was also contacted to also pay for the release of the 13. After a few hours, cash was allegedly paid to the three suspects and that is when they were arrested by the members of the police from Mpumalanga Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit. The cash was also confiscated from the possession of the suspects as part of the investigation. The trio appeared at the Emalahleni Magistrate's Court today, Tuesday 10 January 2023 and they were each granted bail of R2000 and they are expected to appear again in the same court on 01 March 2023 meanwhile the investigation continues. They were identified as Tshidi Anastacia Mamareko (56), Santi Madoda Khumalo (44), and Albert Ramuchu (41). Internal investigations surrounding the incident against the female Captain will also be conducted whereby disciplinary steps may be taken pending the outcome of the probe.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the three and used the opportunity to strongly warn members to stay away from involving themselves in corrupt activities as they will face the full might of the law. "We cannot allow ourselves to be associated with corruption and the law will have to take its course against such who break the law, including those within our ranks without fear of favour," warned the General.

Source: South African Police Service