KOMATIPOORT – Three men have been arrested for attempting to bribe police officers.
This was not long after the Komatipoort Police Station made a commitment to eradicate corruption.
The suspects were arrested after they attempted to bribe two police officers with an amount of R10 000 cash, in a bid to assist them in releasing a truck which was being detained and searched for illicit drugs. In the midst of the search, Sgt Sibusiso Jele and his colleague were approached by the driver of the truck who requested to meet with them at the nearby petrol station.
Upon arrival, the police officers were introduced to the owner of the truck. They arrested all three suspects and confiscated the cash.
Earlier this month in a press release, the station committed itself to fighting corruption, and urged the public to play a significant role in curbing the scourge.
“The management of SAPS Komatipoort want to assure the public of their commitment to eradicate all forms of corruption. This is also dedication of the national commissioner of the SAPS as well as the minister of safety and security, Mr Nathi Mthethwa.
The police will not be able to conduct this on their own and need the assistance of the broader public to identify all members who are contravening any of the laws and regulations.
“Two or more persons are guilty whenever a corrupt transaction is concluded – the person receiving the gratification in whatsoever form, and the one giving the gratification. Therefore, whenever a case of corruption is opened, both the parties will be charged with the crime,” explained the spokesperson of the Komatipoort Police Station, Capt Sarie van der Walt.
She mentioned a few examples, such as bribery, extortion, abuse of power, fraud and embezzlement.
She requested that any member of the public with information, should contact Lt Col Ntiwane on 082-373-8972, Capt Manana on 079-501-2473, Capt Stander on 082-449-0242 or Capt Van der Walt at 084-569-5564 or anonymously report any incidents to the Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800-00-2587.
The three men will remain in custody until their court appearance next month.
