By OBAKENG MAJE
Six police officers including two civilians briefly appeared before Brits Magistrate’s Court for business robbery, kidnapping and assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) on Thursday. The accused persons, Sgt Matlala Letsoko (43), Sgt Lesiba Kgopa, (49), Const Sejameriri Mamphekgo (34), Const Croesus Chirwa (33) Const Joy Makotla (32), Sgt Masilo Mononyane (46), Emmanuel Lorekang (45) and Itumeleng Malebetsane (50) are attached to Pretoria Public Order Police (POP), Tshwane District Crime Intelligence and Rietgat Visible Policing respectively.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested on 20 December 2023 by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit, Bojanala Platinum Sub-District and Mmakau Police Station Detectives regarding a business robbery committed in Mmakau on 15 December 2023.
“It is alleged that one of the suspects was driving a marked police vehicle during the business robbery committed at a tavern in Newton Section, outside Mmakau. The complainant, who owns a tavern, was allegedly assaulted and robbed of approximately R60 000. He was further taken to Mothotlung graveyard, where the assault continued.
“The investigations into the cases continue and the suspects are likely to face additional charges, including a business robbery allegedly committed in Hebron. They were granted R2000 bail each,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the accused persons are expected to make a second court appearance on 28 February 2024.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his disappointment about the police officers’ conduct, which he described as unacceptable. Kwena added that the actions of the police officers are not in line with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Code of Conduct and the accused persons disregarded the role the police play in the execution of the safer festive season operations.
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