Hawks arrest maintenance clerk at Standerton Magistrate’s Court
An undercover operation followed and money was handed to the woman before she was apprehended.
A team from the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation arrested Ms Audeen Michell Ditshego (47), a maintenance administration clerk at the Standerton Magistrate’s Court, on Thursday, 3 June.
Ms Ditshego appeared in court on Friday, 4 June in connection with corruption charges.
According to Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, bribes were allegedly solicited from a complainant who had maintenance outstanding payments.
The accused allegedly called the complainant on 5 May, telling him that he is owing money for maintenance and the court issued an order for his bank account to be frozen.
She further told him that to help him, he should deposit R25 000 into a bank account, belonging to the second suspect.
The complainant complied and deposited the money, as demanded.
Capt Sekgotodi said they phoned him again a few day later, telling him that they want to help him to end the case by stealing the file, then handing it over to him if R10 000 can be paid.
The complainant reported the matter to the Hawks, who initiated an investigation and an undercover operation was conducted.
Ms Ditshego was arrested after the file was handed over to the complainant in exchange for R10 000.
The money was recovered.
The second suspect was not present during the arrest. Ms Ditshego was released on R500 bail and the case was postponed to 1 July for further investigation.
A warrant of arrest was issued for the second suspect.
