POTCHEFSTROOM – The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena cautioned that employees who are involved in criminal activities will not be tolerated within the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS). This after two police officers, Sergeant Ruth Nkotsoe (42) and Constable Mosimanekgosi Leburu (34) appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court today, for corruption.

The accused were apprehended by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) on Tuesday, 10 May 2022, during a controlled undercover operation. According to information received, an 18-year-old suspect, was arrested on Tuesday, 03 May 2022, in Marikana for contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). The police officers then initiated communication and demanded an amount of R500.00 from the suspect’s mother for the release of her son.

The suspect was taken to court for appearance on Thursday, 05 May 2022. However, the case was not placed on the roll and the suspect was released.  The two police officers allegedly kept the 18-year-old man’s passport and ordered him to pay them R500-00. The matter was reported to the police and that resulted in the arrest of the two police officers on Tuesday, 10 May 2022.

The accused were each granted R5000.00 bail and will appear again in court on Tuesday, 27 September 2022.

Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended members of the community for teaming up with the police in ensuring that the accused are exposed and arrested. He restated that no mercy will be shown to employees who act in a manner that is dishonest and tarnishes the image of the Service.

Source: South African Police Service