Two police officers from Leandra Police Station appeared before the Evander Magistrate’s Court on May 12, facing multiple criminal charges stemming from alleged misconduct during official duty.

Sergeant Ntsizwa Mthimunye (47) and Constable Malefane Mofokeng (38) are accused of extortion, assault, kidnapping, theft, defeating the ends of justice, and corruption. The charges relate to incidents that occurred on October 9 and 10, 2023.

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the officers stopped a truck on the N17 near Leandra, where they allegedly found four bags of dagga. The truck driver was allegedly assaulted and coerced into paying a R5 000 bribe. Unable to access the money immediately, the driver contacted his employer, who transferred the money. Only R4 050 was eventually withdrawn.

The following day, the driver visited the police station seeking the return of R1 000 for living expenses. Instead, he was allegedly assaulted again, handcuffed, and taken to a secluded area where he was left guarded. Two of the seized dagga bags were then loaded into a police vehicle, and the driver was arrested for possession.

The Hawks launched an investigation following a report by Leandra police. A warrant was issued and served on both officers on April 16.

The matter has been postponed to July 27. Both accused were released on warning and ordered to appear in person at the next court date.

“We will continue to root out corruption both inside and outside our ranks,” said Major General Nico Gerber, Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Hawks.