By Obakeng Maje
Hebron-A 44-year old policeman, Warrant Officer Vusimuzi Sibiya stationed at Hebron police station appeared in Brits Magistrates’ Court for Corruption and Fraud on Wednesday. 

The police official was arrested on Monday, while allegedly trying to collect unauthorized donation money from one of the local businessmen. 

“The member allegedly went to the manager of one of local businesses on Tuesday under the pretext that he was sent by a senior police official to request donation for year-end function” brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

According to information, in the process the manager called the police without the knowledge of the member to confirm the request.  The Manager was informed that nobody was sent to request for donations, and he requested the member to come back later.

“It is alleged that the member did not come back as requested and only went back to the businessman few days after. Upon his arrival the businessman informed the senior police official that the member came to collect the donation” Ngubane said.

The senior official went to the businessman and took the official to Brits Police Station and opened a case of corruption and fraud.

Further investigations were conducted and it is alleged that the member had successfully collected money under the same pretext.

The official is still in custody and he is expected to appear in Brits Magistrates’ Court again on the 17 December 2013 for formal bail application. 

“Internal disciplinary investigation has also been instituted against the member” he said. 

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo has condemned the action of the official and said that no amount of corruption will be tolerated.  “We will not allow this kind of conduct, and we will do anything to ensure that members like this one are dealt with effectively”, said the Provincial Commissioner. 

She further appreciated the cooperation of the business community with the police in exposing dishonest members.

The Provincial Commissioner is dedicated that the manner that the member used is against South African Police Service policy regarding donations in case of need.-TDN
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