The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Provincial Head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa welcomes the arrest of three police officials with disappointment yesterday afternoon in Sandton.
The accused aged between 34 and 50 appeared in the Alexanda Magistrates’ Court today facing charges of corruption, kidnapping, and negligence of firearm.
Their apprehension was successfully effected yesterday, 14 September 2021 during a swift operation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation.
It is alleged that the accused, Warrant Officer Charles Mgiba (50), Sergeant Obed Machevele (36), and Sergeant Clement Langutelani Mashele (34) arrived at a private dwelling in Midrand yesterday and demanded an amount of 10 000 US dollars for the complainants not to be arrested on alleged fraudulent activities reported.
The trio allegedly seized laptops and cellphones and forced the complainants into a vehicle. They allegedly drove to a fuel station in Sandton where they released one of the complainants to go get the demanded money.
The matter was immediately reported to the Hawks’ office in Germiston for a swift response. Suspects were arrested upon collection of the money. Police seized electronic gadgets, firearm and ammunition for further investigation.
Further investigation revealed that one of the police officials left a carry bag containing a service pistol with ammunition and handcuffs. The court remanded suspects in custody pending investigation. The case was postponed to 21 September 2021 for formal bail application.
Major General Kadwa commended the investigation team’s swift response which displayed commitment to the organisation and prioritising the complainants’ safety. “Together with the public we can help fight the scourge of corrupt criminal activities in our country. We urge the public to report any police officials alleged to have been involved in criminal activities to authorities. This serves as an example to all criminals out there that the public is tired of being scammed by people who are meant to protect them and we hope for a more suitable sentence,” stated General Kadwa.
Source: South African Police Service