By BAKANG MOKOTO
The police officer, Sgt Oaratwa Kgomotso (35) briefly appeared at the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Kgomotso was charged with theft and defeating the ends of justice.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, Kgomotso who was working at Ganyesa Police Station, attended a burglary and theft crime scene on 3 February 2020. He said the accused recovered stolen goods from one of the suspects but failed to effect the arrest.
“Kgomotso allegedly registered some of the goods in the exhibit register and took others. Upon becoming aware of the allegations, police management tasked the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) to conduct an investigation and that led to the summoning of the accused to appear before the court. He is expected to re-appear before the same court on 15 December 2022,” Mokgwabone said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena firmly warned that police management will not hesitate to act against any employee who commits a crime.
“We express our disapproval of the police officer’s conduct. The arrest will serve as a warning to corrupt employees, who lack integrity and in the process tarnish the image of the South African Police Services (SAPS). That will indeed not be tolerated,” he said
The Guardian 