Gideon Mandindi, Molebatsi Modisenyane, Mohlomi Ramaphiri and Seabelo Mogopodi, who are reportedly between the ages of 31 and 58, will be appearing in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court today as proceedings into the matter continue. The armed four men are alleged to have robbed a shop owner who happens to be a foreign national, in Phase three in Kopanong, taking R 25 000 in cash, cigarettes and a cell phone. The three Constables and a Captain were later granted R 1000 bail each in their second court appearance on 10 October 2018.

Prior to that, they were kept in custody at Grootvlei prison and later transferred to Bainsvlei and Heidedal prisons for their protection. One of the policemen spoke to OFM News last week stating that he wants to clear his name, because upholding the law, after the community has seen you splashed over the news for a crime, is a challenge. The four men were said to be suspended pending an internal investigation in court, but unconfirmed reports are that the policemen are still going to work, at the Navalsig police station, while the case continues.

During the bail application phase, prosecutor, Johan De Vries, indicated that the state intended opposing bail for the four men. Legal counsel for the accused argued against opposing bail adding that it was not clear in court documents whether the prosecution opposed bail entirely or intended on postponing proceedings for further information and investigations. OFM News reported earlier this year that about 40 police officers have been dismissed in the Free State for their involvement in corruption and crime between April and November 2018. Provincial Police Commissioner, Moeketsi Sempe, tells OFM News that management at the South African Police Services (SAPS), at both national and local level, condemn and detest the involvement of police officers in corrupt and criminal activities. He says one of the measures, set in place to curb this problem, is the expeditious process which falls under the SAPS Discipline Regulations. The process was put into effect by the former Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko, in 2016 and Sempe is adamant the process is yielding results. “Any allegation of that particular nature, we investigate it swiftly and we don’t hesitate, we dismiss the person,” warns the Provincial Police Commissioner.

OFM News