Northam police sergeant faces corruption charges over cell escape
A Limpopo anti-corruption probe has ended in the prosecution of a court orderly allegedly paid a substantial bribe to release a foreign national.
A 44-year-old police officer is due to appear in the Northam Magistrate’s Court on 31 July, following a lengthy investigation into the disappearance of a detainee awaiting deportation.
Review Online reports that the sergeant, who worked as a court orderly at the Northam SAPS, was served with a summons on Friday, following an investigation by the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (PACU).
Bribe uncovered during probe
The case dates back to October 2023, when prisoners were returned to Northam Police Station after appearing in court. During a routine check, officers discovered that a woman of foreign nationality held in detention, who was due to be deported, had not been returned to the holding cells.
According to police, the court orderly was contacted and claimed he was on his way back to the station. However, he allegedly failed to report for duty the following day.
The woman was later traced and re-arrested. During the subsequent investigation, detectives allegedly uncovered information that a substantial amount of cash had been paid to secure her unlawful release.
The case was referred to the PACU, which completed its inquiries before submitting the docket to the senior public prosecutor. Following the decision to prosecute, the sergeant was served with a summons. He is expected to make his first court appearance on charges of corruption and assisting an escape.
Police vow to tackle corruption
The acting Limpopo provincial commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers, said the police service remained committed to rooting out corruption within its own ranks.
“This arrest sends a clear message that any member who undermines the rule of law and the integrity of the service will face the full might of the law. I commend the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for a thorough investigation that led to these charges,” Major General Scheepers said.
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