A retired lieutenant-colonel and two sergeants are among the SAPS members who are facing charges of kidnapping, assault and extortion in the Northern Cape.
A RETIRED lieutenant-colonel and two sergeants are among the SAPS members who are facing charges of kidnapping, assault and extortion in the Northern Cape.
Former Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Moncho and his brother-in-law Vuyo Dube allegedly intimidated, assaulted and kidnapped a complainant after they falsely accused him of robbing and assaulting Moncho’s son.
No arrests were made, while Moncho’s son opened a case at Galeshewe police station against the complainant.
An accused, Desmond Mothobi, allegedly convinced Sergeant Phiri and Sergeant Modise of the Roodepan Detectives to withdraw the charges relating to the kidnapping and assault case, as well as counter-charges, and they were remunerated with R1,600.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien confirmed that the Northern Cape Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation unit was investigating cases of kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), defeating or obstructing the course of justice and unacceptable conduct relating to witnesses following the arrest of five men, including a former SAPS lieutenant-colonel, two police sergeants and two other accused on September 9 in Kimberley.
“It is believed that two of the suspects, one of whom is a former police officer, were allegedly involved in the kidnapping and assault of the victim, who was accused of robbing and assaulting the former SAPS member’s son, on August 6, 2023”
Gamieldien added that two police sergeants stationed at Roodepan Detective Services were charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as well as unacceptable conduct relating to witnesses.
“The five suspects appeared in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court on September 9 and were released on bail of R1,000 each.”
Gamieldien added that the case was postponed until October 7 in the Kimberley Regional Court.
“Internal disciplinary processes in terms of SAPS disciplinary regulations are currently unfolding against the two SAPS members.”
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, condemned the alleged involvement of SAPS members in criminal activities and reiterated that any form of gross misconduct within the ranks of the organisation will be dealt with decisively.
“Police officials are not above the law. It is expected of each member to lead by example and face the full might of the law when implicated in crime,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Luthando Gqalane, attached to the SAPS Public Order Police (POP) in Upington, Sergeant Bongani Oliphant from the Pabalelo police station, Graye Thomas, Enuel Elderman and Robert Amadhila appeared in the Springbok Regional Court on September 5.
They allegedly extorted money from a potential diamond dealer on the N7 highway in Springbok on August 30.
It is believed that the accused allegedly forced the complainant to transfer R65,000 into their bank account while they demanded a further payment of R500,000.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said five accused persons were charged with extortion and impersonating a police officer.
“They are remanded in custody and are expected to make a formal bail application on September 12 in the Springbok District Court,” said Senokoatsane.
