3 former police officers jailed for corruption

Three former police officers were each sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment following their conviction for contravening Section 4(1)(a) of the Prevention of Combatting Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (corruption).

Madoda Mduduzi Mhlongo (57), Siyabonga Herbert Mabhida (51) and Prince Ntsikelelo Shezi (50) appeared before the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

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At the time of the offence, the accused were SAPS members attached to the Taxi Violence unit, and their victims, Mr Shange and Mr Mazibuko, were involved in the Kwandengezi Zwelibomvu Taxi Association.

Shange was the chairperson and Mazibuko was a taxi owner involved in the running of the association, while a Terrance Mhlongo provided close protection services to them.

Shezi was assigned to investigate the victims’ involvement in alleged criminal activities of the taxi association.

On 13 March 2019, the three accused met with Terrance and advised him that they were being pressured to arrest the victims, but were willing to accept R200 000 from them (Shange and Mazibuko) so as to not effect the arrest.

Unbeknown to the accused, Terrance – on the instruction of Shange and Mazibuko – reported this to the police, and a sting or entrapment operation was launched.

On 29 March 2019, all three accused met Shange at a mall parking lot in Pinetown and accepted the money from him.

They were immediately arrested while in possession of the trap money.

This evidence was caught on a hidden camera and was later used during a trial-within-a-trial by Prosecutor Hazel Siraramen.

Siraramen further led the evidence of 16 witnesses, including the victims and the police officials who were involved in setting up the trap.

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