Constable and prosecutor caught for corruption
Two will again appear in Evander Magistrate’s Court in January.
EVANDER – Const Justice Maleka (37), a policeman, and Mr Tumelo Malesa (32), a public prosecutor, were arrested for corruption on 5 November and appeared in the Evander Magistrate’s Court.
Const Maleka worked at eMbalenhle Police Station and Mr Malesa at the Evander Magistrate’s Court.
According to regional spokesman Col Leonard Hlathi, the suspects worked in cahoots to solicit money from a housebreaking suspect arrested in October whose case has been withdrawn as the court did not find sufficient grounds to prosecute.
Const Maleka misrepresented information about the case by telling the suspect, who is the complainant in this case, that he will make the docket disappear in exchange for cash.
The complainant made arrangements for the handing over of the money and informed the police.
Const Maleka drove to the complainant’s work place in a marked police vehicle to collect the money.
The complainant allegedly gave Const Maleka R2 000 who left and drove in the direction of Evander after the transaction.
The police stopped him, searched the vehicle, found the R2 000 and arrested him.
They then arrested Mr Malesa at the Evander Magistrate’s Court.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Thulani Ntobela, congratulated the police for showing no mercy to law breakers.
“No one is above the law and it is also disturbing when officials who are tasked with the responsibility of upholding the law, are the ones who are breaking it.
“The arrest of the prosecutor and the constable will send a clear message to other civil servants who are also behaving in a questionable conduct,” said Lt Gen Ntobela.
“Civil servants are supposed to present and demonstrate a pleasant behaviour which is approved by all walks of life.
“The allegations levelled against these two officials are very serious in nature and are bringing the good and reputable name of their professions into disrepute, however it is said that one is presumed innocent until proven otherwise and we will wait for the law to take its course.”
Both men were released on bail of R1 500 each and will appear in court again on 13 January.
