Sibongile Makoli was arrested during an entrapment operation by the police’s anti-corruption unit on 26 January 2021. She attempted to extort money from a foreign national who was found without a valid passport.

Instead of executing a lawful arrest, the constable demanded a bribe of R1,000. The complainant handed over R200 and agreed to pay the balance later, said Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli.

The Free State anti-corruption unit was alerted to the extortion attempt and immediately set up a sting operation. A corruption case was opened at Kagisanong police station and Makoli was arrested after allegedly accepting the remaining R800 trap money from the complainant.

On Monday (22/6), the Bloemfontein Regional Court found Makoli guilty and sentenced her to 60 months correctional supervision and five years direct imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.

“Parallel to the criminal justice process, internal departmental proceedings were initiated against the member. Following standard police disciplinary protocols, Makoli has been dismissed from the South African Police Service,” Kareli added.

Anti-illegal immigration groups are planning nationwide demonstrations and possible shutdown actions on Tuesday (30/6). Several organisations have demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by the end of the month, warning failure to do so could trigger mass protests and disruptions across the country.

Meanwhile, nine police officers attached to the public order policing unit in Bultfontein are expected to appear in court on 20 July for a pre-trial hearing on four counts of murder.

Johannes Phafane, David Matothi, Edward Mokake, Lebohang Senxezi, Vuyisile Kabuza, Ikakeng Maropeng, Teboho Monaune, Lehlohonolo Morapedi and Tsheliso Mohoboko were granted bail of R3,000 each in April.

The charges stem from a fatal shooting incident in September 2024 following a response to a domestic dispute involving a stolen cell phone in Phahameng. Free State provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia has reiterated the provincial management’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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