Cop charged with murder, now faces corruption case
During the Hawks investigation, it was discovered that more than R30 000 was deposited into Sergeant Ntokozo Mngqithi's bank acount.
Sergeant Ntokozo Mngqithi (34), who was arrested in connection with the murder of his fiancée, Sergeant Ntombi Mbanjwa, has now been charged with corruption.
Hawks members from Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation arrested Mngqithi on Tuesday last week for corruption and defeating the ends of justice committed in 2022.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said Mngqithi was investigating a case of culpable homicide after a truck collided with a light motor vehicle, where seven passengers died.
“It is alleged that Mngqithi approached the truck driver and demanded R60 000 gratification in order to squash the docket,” he said.
As a result, certain crucial evidence was not submitted before court despite numerous instructions on the docket.
Mngqithi allegedly lied about that evidence, and the case was provisionally withdrawn.
That case docket was then allocated to another investigating officer, and Mngqithi’s alleged foul play was discovered.
During the Hawks’ investigation, it was discovered that more than R30 000 was deposited into his bank account.
He briefly appeared in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday last week and was remanded in custody.
The case was postponed to December 19 for bail application.
The KZN Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, welcomed the arrest and commended the members for the good work.
“We will deal decisively with corruption within the police as it puts the name of the Saps into disrepute and erodes public trust in the judiciary system,” he said.
* Mbanjwa was sitting at her residence at Umzimkhulu when she was shot by an unknown suspect on April 11. A case of murder was reported at Umzimkhulu police station, and Hawks members attended the crime scene. A thorough investigation was conducted, positive leads were followed, and as a result, Mngqithi was arrested on November 25.
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