By OBAKENG MAJE
A policeman from Schweizer Reneke Police Station, who was arrested for corruption by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks is set to appear in court today. Thomas Moleme, who is a Detective, was arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe of R3000 from the assault accused person and a farmer in separate incidents.
According to allegations, the accused person has already paid R2000 to Moleme. Moleme also allegedly demanded R2500 from a farmer in Wolmaranstad. Taung DailyNews’s highly-placed source said Moleme was allegedly known for always conniving with livestock thieves.
The Hawks allegedly put Moleme under surveillance for months after receiving numerous complaints against him. They allegedly approached the farmer and the assault accused person to entrap unsuspecting Moleme.
“The policeman was allegedly working with this farmer. So, the Hawks, in agreement with the farmer, set a trap for Moleme. They allegedly gave the farmer R2000 notes and R1000 to the assault accused person that were marked. They then requested them to hand the money over to Moleme as a bribe.
“Moleme allegedly went to collect R2000 notes from the farmer at around 4am, and fetched R1000 from the assault accused person before the Hawks pounced on him. Moleme was allegedly followed in all these activities, and when he allegedly realised that he was being followed, he tried to speed off,” our source said.
It is alleged that the policeman’s commander, who was amongst the Hawks personnel, was ordered to stop him. A search was allegedly conducted and the marked notes were found in Moleme’s possession.
Moleme was then charged with corruption and arrested.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said they will only respond to media inquiries after Moleme’s court appearance.
The Guardian 