This, after the North West Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) arrested five police officers in Jouberton, Klerksdorp and Vryburg on separate charges of corruption on Thursday. According to police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, the two police officers worked at the Khuma police station and were arrested on allegations that they took a R1 500 bribe from a motorist in January this year.

He says according to information they have, a motorist was driving his vehicle when he knocked down a pedestrian in January 2019. At the time of the incident, the matter was not reported to the police as it was apparent that the pedestrian was not injured. However, upon realizing that she was injured, the pedestrian reported the incident to the police and the suspects, who are both Constables. They traced and found the motorist in Khuma where they then allegedly demanded R2 000 and threatened the motorist with arrest and seizure of his vehicle. Mokgwabone says in order to avoid the arrest, the motorist allegedly gave R1 500 to the suspects. The pair have been released on a R500 bail each following their brief court appearance yesterday, and will re-appear on July the 24th.

Mokgwabone says the other three police officers also face corruption charges relating to other matters and will appear in court on August 15 and August the 21st respectively.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane,  has meanwhile condemned the incidents and said all members are bound by the SAPS Code of Conduct to serve and protect as well as to act with integrity when performing their duties.

OFM News