LIMPOPO – A 44-year-old police sergeant from Northam will appear in the Northam Magistrate’s Court on July 31 on charges of corruption and allegedly aiding the escape of a female inmate.

The sergeant, who worked as a court orderly at Northam SAPS, was summoned to appear in court after a lengthy investigation by the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (PACU).

The case dates back to October 2023 when prisoners were returned to the Northam Police Station after appearing in court. During a routine check, officers discovered that a female foreign national detainee, who was due to be deported, had not been returned to the holding cells.

According to police, the court orderly was contacted and said he was on his way back to the station. He allegedly failed to report for duty the following day.

The woman was later traced and re-arrested. During the investigation, police allegedly uncovered information that a substantial amount of cash had been paid to secure her release.

The case was referred to the PACU, which completed its investigation before submitting the docket to the senior public prosecutor. A decision was taken to prosecute, and the sergeant was served with a summons on Friday (July 3).

He is expected to make his first court appearance on charges of corruption and aiding and abetting.

Acting Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers said police remained committed to rooting out corruption within their own ranks.

“This arrest sends a clear message that any member who undermines the rule of law and 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,” Scheepers said.

The accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.