POLOKWANE – The five SAPS members attached to Polokwane International Airport have been granted bail of R1,000 each after appearing in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to the alleged disappearance of 46 undocumented foreign nationals from police custody.

The officers appeared in court on Tuesday, October 20, facing charges of defeating the ends of justice and contravening Section 49 of the Immigration Act.

The matter was postponed for further investigation. The next court date has been set for November 30.

The accused

The five accused were arrested earlier this week following an investigation into allegations that police members helped undocumented foreign nationals evade immigration enforcement.

Read more about the case here.

The accused are:

• Sergeant Monyebodi Joyce Matlala (48)
• Sergeant Makwena Emmanuel Manamela (49)
• Montsho Johannes Thole (44)
• Sergeant Congress Kwena Mothiba (44)
• Sergeant Benjamin Nare Chokwe (50)

SAPS committed to rooting out corruption

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers said SAPS remains committed to addressing corruption and misconduct within its ranks.

He said officers were expected to uphold the law and act with integrity, accountability and professionalism, adding that members implicated in criminal activity would face the appropriate legal processes.

Police investigations are continuing.