Six police officers who reportedly have been kidnapped, attacked and demanded a bribery from a suspect they found with drugs last year appeared on Friday in the court of Odendaalrus Magistrate in the free state.
The six agents, confirmed to the Welcome Anti-Gang unit, are accused of corruption, extortion, kidnapping, abuse and beating the ends of justice. They are:
- Thabang Petrus Thesele;
- Sipho Marumo;
- Setlhabi Isaac Matsime;
- April Monatisa;
- Paseka Jackson Mokoro; And
- Thabiso Sylvester Lethetsa.
The case was postponed until Monday and they were all sent back.
‘The charges relate to an incident on October 23, 2024 when the officers reportedly arrested a Nigerian after they had discovered drugs in his home in Odendaalsrus, “said National Persecution Mojalefa Senokoatsane.
“Instead of following legal proceedings and arresting the Nigerian, the officers would have kidnapped and attacked the victim in a police vehicle and demanded R12,000 in exchange for not holding or charging him.”
The victim was released after borrowing the money and handing over to the agents.
Five of the six officers were arrested on Tuesday by the Hawks. Thesele surrendered and joined the others in court during their appearance.
Time -time
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