Officers face might of the law

MALALANE – Two local police officers are still awaiting bail after they were nabbed by the Hawks Anti-corruption Unit on New Year’s eve.

The 41-year-old sergeant and a 33-year-old constable are facing charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

It is alleged that they solicited a bribe from two suspects, who were arrested for theft under false pretence, in exchange for their freedom.

Part of the money demanded was paid to the officers and the balance was to be settled upon their release. Meanwhile on the same day in Hazyview, a 43-year-old sergeant of the Protection and Security Services (PSS) was arrested by the same unit.

The officer was arrested in the early hours of the morning at a plantation near Hazyview after being cornered by security guards. He was with four accomplices who all managed to escape.

It is reported that security officers received information about people who were busy loading timber onto a truck in the plantation.

The officer was arrested and is currently facing a charge of theft, and the truck – believed to be his – was also confiscated.

The Malalane detectives will appear in the Low’s Creek Periodical Court and the sergeant in the White River Magistrate’s Court.

By the time of going to print the next court dates of all the accused had not yet been confirmed.