A Congolese man is facing the same charges as he is believed to have colluded with the police officials who are between the ages of 26 and 33 years old in committing the crime.

According to the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID), on 24 November the group of four went to the unsuspecting foreign national complainant’s home in Upington, in search of drugs and dagga, without a search warrant. Whilst they did not find any drugs at the scene, they discovered R45 000 stashed in two different places in the home. They demanded R10 000 from the complainant in this crime, and threatened to kill him or transport him to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp if he did not do so.

The accused then kidnapped the victim

The group forcibly loaded the victim of the corruption into a marked police van and drove around the area with him.

Following a promise to hand over R1 500 and an explanation from the victim that he was a security guard whose contract with his employer concluded and that the money in his possession was from his job because he had no bank account, the group lowered their demand to R4 000.

After receiving the funds, they dropped the victim off back at his home and instructed him to not tell anyone. They also took his cell phone.

Police officers concede to committing the crime

The victim proceeded to report the matter to the Paballelo Police Station and two of the officers who were on duty were questioned at the Upington Police Station. They initially denied the incident but later conceded to having had stolen the R4 000 and directed their fellow policemen to the home of their colleague – who was off duty – and had hidden the money there. The money and cell phone were returned to the victim. However IPID had been called to probe the matter.

Arrests were effected following an investigation by IPID

Two of the police officers were arrested on 17 December following an investigation by IPID and appeared two days later in the Local Magistrate’s Court. They are: “Constable Johannes Thapelo Semamai who is 27 years old, attached to Upington Vispol; and Sergeant PK who is 36 years, attached to Upington Vispol,” says IPID’s Grace Langa. The latter was released on R1000 bail on 20 December, whereas Semamai did not receive bail because he had one conviction of drinking and driving and another pending corruption case. They will reappear on 24 January 2022.

The third police officer couldn’t be detained due to testing positive for Covid-19. He and the Congolese national, who hasn’t yet appeared in court due to other pending criminal matters, are expected in court on 11 January 2022. Their names are yet to be revealed.

OFM News