Cop, accomplice up for alleged corruption

Warrant officer Pheladi Mokgwakgwa (38) and Celia Makuru (21), his alleged accomplice in a case of corruption, distortion and defeating the ends of justice are expected to appear in the Burgersfort Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Friday) after they were arrested on Friday.
According to Limpopo Hawks Spokesperson Matimba Maluleke the duo was arrested by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit after they allegedly conspired to extort R15 000 from the accomplice’s boyfriend.
Makuru’s boyfriend, the complainant in the matter, claimed he was summoned to the Driekop Police Station by Mokgwakgwa. Upon arrival the officer, at the time in the company of Makuru, allegedly accused him of rape, Maluleke stated. The complainant alleged he was informed that a case had been registered and that he had to pay R15 000 to make the docket disappear.
Maluleke indicated that the boyfriend allegedly paid R4 000 upfront and promised to pay the rest later the same day. The matter was immediately reported to the Hawks who conducted a sting operation which led to the arrest of the two immediately after accepting the remaining money.
Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Thobeka Jozi expressed her disappointment about the conduct of the warrant officer.
“It is better to have one honest and loyal Police officer than to have troops of corrupt Police officers,” she said.

Story: RC Myburgh
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