By OBAKENG MAJE
A policeman (38) and other two accomplices aged 20 were arrested in Letlhabile by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU), for corruption and theft from a motor vehicle on 14 June 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the arrest came after community members allegedly spotted and apprehended two men, who were carrying an engine block in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Mokgwabone said, the suspects were ultimately handed over to the police.
“Whilst awaiting to be transported to a nearby detention facility, the pair who were handcuffed to each other, allegedly overpowered and assaulted a police officer in the Community Service Centre (CSC) before escaping.
“Subsequent to mobilisation of resources, the suspects were re-arrested a few hours later in Letlhabile. The other suspect aged 37, was arrested for aiding the escapees after it was discovered that, he allegedly removed the duo’s handcuffs during their escape. A charge of malicious damage to property is also under investigation,” he said.
Mokgwabone said further investigations into the matter led to the arrest of the policeman. He added that the policeman allegedly conspired with the duo in the theft of the engine block from the exhibit store.
“The duo was charged with possession of the suspected stolen property, escape from lawful custody, assault common (attack on a police officer), malicious damage to property, and theft from the motor vehicle, while the police officer was charged for theft from motor vehicle and corruption.
“All suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 19 June 2023,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the community members and all police units for their diligence and quick reaction that led to the arrest of the suspects. Kwena said corrupt employees, who fail to ‘toe the line’ will not be tolerated within the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The Guardian 