EASTERN CAPE – Sergeant Xolani Vincent Nqoko  (46) and Sergeant Mawethu Mthimkhulu  (43) attached to Mbizana SAPS as detectives  were  remanded in custody by Mbizana Magistrate’s court on 30 November 2022.This is subsequent to the arrest of the duo by Mbizana based Serious Corruption Investigation Unit of the Hawks on 29 November 2022 for charges of corruption and extortion.

It is alleged that on 28 June 2022, Zwelenkosi Ntakana was travelling towards Flagstaff in his Toyota Bakkie when two unknown males hijacked his vehicle. He reported the matter at Flagstaff Police Station where a case of hijacking was opened.

It is further alleged that during October 2022 Ntakana received a call from someone who introduced himself as a police official from Mbizana Police Station informing him that when his vehicle was found it had a firearm inside which has been linked to multiple murder cases.

The caller is reported to have further stated that if Ntakana did not want these murder cases to be investigated against him, he had to pay an amount of R5000-00. Ntakana immediately reported the matter to the Hawks and investigations ensued.

On 23 and 29 November 2022, two live money handing over transactions by the victim to the alleged suspects was witnessed hence the arrest on 29 November 2022.

The duo made a short appearance in Mbizana Magistrate court and were remanded in custody until 7 December 2022 for formal bail application.

The Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya lauded the team for the success as such criminal tendencies by law enforcement agencies bring the law of the country into disrepute.

Source: South African Police Service