MOKOPANE – The provincial anti-corruption investigation unit has secured a conviction against two police officers, Rapi Prince Sekopana (52) and Thabang Brian Ledwaba (32), stationed at the Mahwelereng police station, for corruption and defeating the administration of justice after the duo was found guilty of soliciting a bribe from a suspect’s family in exchange for his release.

On January 2, 2023, they responded to a complaint of possession of suspected stolen property at Ga-Molekane village.

The officers took a male suspect into custody and drove away with him. His sister was then contacted and asked to bring R1 000 for his release. She managed to gather R500 and met with the officers along the N11 to hand over the money as instructed.

Instead of releasing her brother, they however dropped him off at the mall at the Moshate crossing.

The suspect was re-arrested by the community and taken to the police station where he was detained.
The unit was alerted about the incident and an investigation was launched.

Col Benjamin Mashitisho investigated the matter with diligence and subsequently managed to apprehend the two men on July 23, 2024.

The duo made several court appearances in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court and were later granted R5 000 each bail until they were found guilty on April 8 and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment with two years suspended.

The accused will serve a minimum of two years of direct imprisonment and were also declared unfit to possess firearms.

Provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence: “We are resolute in our commitment to root out corruption within the police. This conviction sends a strong message that no one is above the law, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who undermine the integrity of our organisation are held accountable. Our focus remains on serving and protecting our communities with honesty and professionalism.”