Cops, paramedic, Sars official in dock for corruption

Four Police officers, an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) employee and former South African Revenue Services (Sars) official will appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court again next month after being arrested on charges of defeating the end of justice, money laundering and corruption last week.
Police constables Azwindini Ramphambani, Thina Makhokha and Prince Netshiavha from Musina and Muswodi Police stations respectively were granted R2 000 bail each by the Musina Magistrate’s Court and will appear in court again on 29 November.
Their fellow accused, Aieheli Hector Munzhedzi, EMS worker Maanda Daniel Netshipale and former Sars employee John Tshanda Musina who also appeared in the same court were granted R2 000 bail each and will appear again next week.
Limpopo Hawks Spokesperson Matimba Maluleke said the arrestees are facing charges of defeating the ends of justice, money laundering and corruption.
“It is alleged that the suspects used Police vehicles and an ambulance to escort alleged smugglers and their vehicles transporting illicit cigarettes. We believe they are in cahoots with cigarette smugglers in the Musina area. They allegedly accepted bribes from the smugglers to escort the vehicles carrying illicit cigarettes using marked Police vehicles and ambulances to avoid being arrested by other law enforcement officials,” Maluleke said.
National Head of Hawks Berning Ntlemeza is quoted in a press release to have said that the Hawks will not stop in their efforts to root out corruption in the Police service or any government sector. He said South Africa deserves to be served by professional, law abiding Police officers whose mandate is to create a safe and secure country for all.
“We have been working on this operation for some time gathering intelligence against the suspects. We are the custodian of the law and order and we cannot afford to fail our people who rely on us for safety and security. There is no room for corruption in the Police service, in government or private institutions. We are continuing with this operation and I am sure we are still going to root out more Police officers and other officials with criminal mindsets,” Ntlemeza said.

Story: RC Myburgh
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Featured photo: A handcuffed suspect being read his his rights during the arrest last week.