Two police officers remain in custody following their arrest in connection with an alleged vehicle theft syndicate. Their defence team has requested that they be kept in the police holding cells for safety reasons, citing concerns about overcrowding and risks at Kimberley Correctional Centre.
THE DEFENCE has requested that two police officials, who are still in custody after they were arrested in connection with an alleged multi-million-rand vehicle theft syndicate, be kept at the police holding cells for their safety.
Detective Sergeant Khiba Zulu and Detective Sergeant Tshepo Thae, both from the Kimberley Vehicle Crime Investigations Unit, along with three other suspects, Phenyo Sekutenyane, Shepherd Ndimande and Thapelo Phandile, were arrested by the Provincial SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit between November 12-26.
It is alleged that two vehicles were seized in Kimberley, although the cars were not linked to any crime and were never booked in at the SAPS pound.
One of the vehicles was sold in Bloemfontein under a false registration certificate, while it is believed that the vehicle identification number was also tampered with.
Zulu, Thae and Phandile appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court this week, where Phandile was granted bail of R10,000 on November 26.
Their co-accused Sekutenyane and Ndimande were released on bail of R10,000 each.
Legal representative advocate Thobile Komazi pointed out that the accused were police officers.
“Their safety is not guaranteed at Kimberley Correctional Centre as they may have to share an overcrowded cell with suspects they have arrested. The conditions at the centre are not satisfactory, as was reported in the media,” said Komazi.
He indicated that a previous court order, which was obtained to allow the police officers to remain in the holding cells, was not adhered to.
Komazi added that Phandile was unemployed and could only afford bail of R7,000.
He will be required to report weekly to the Manguang police station in Bloemfontein as part of his bail conditions.
State prosecutor advocate Sazile Gesi stated that the vehicle that was found in Bloemfontein had two registration numbers.
He confirmed that Phandile had no pending cases or convictions.
Magistrate Memory Qomoyi postponed the bail application of Zulu and Thae until Monday.
She pointed out that “everyone was equal before the law” and that no accused should be given preferential treatment.
“Overcrowding is all over,” she remarked.
SAPS provincial spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said it was alleged that the five accused illegally seized vehicles with the intention of selling the vehicles during September and October 2024 in Kimberley and the Free State.
“The vehicles were valued at an estimated R2.5 million,” said Kock.
He confirmed that two SAPS members attached to the SAPS Vehicle Crime Investigations Unit in Kimberley were arrested along with two civilians on November 12 and 13.
“They appeared in court on November 21, where the case was remanded until November 26 for a formal bail application.
“The police arrested a fifth male suspect on November 26 in Kimberley. The five accused, who are between the ages of 20 and 45 years old, appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on November 26.”
Kock requested that anyone with information pertaining to the incidents contact Detective Sergeant Christopher Sibley on 063 686 5174.
“The investigation continues,” Kock added.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane confirmed that Sekutenyane and Ndimande were released on R10,000 bail on November 21.
“Phandile was granted bail of R10,000 and the case was postponed until January 31 for further investigations,” said Senokoatsane.
He indicated that the State opposed the bail of Zulu and Thae.
“They are facing a Schedule 6 offence as the crimes were allegedly committed while they were out on bail on a Schedule 5 offence. Their formal bail applications have been postponed until December 2.”
