By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 September 2024- Two Members of South African Police Service’s VIP Protection Unit were sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for theft. In 2014, both accused, Michael Sibiya (48) and Tebogo Noe (46), were on duty in the Upington area when they visited the local mall and stumbled upon cash to the value of R60 000.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said, instead of making attempts to locate the owner, the duo decided to buy flashlights and hid the money inside the box. Thebe said they attempted to send their new found loot to their addresses back in Kimberley through the local courier.
“However, local courier employees in Upington became suspicious and opened the package. Cash was found and they immediately notified Upington Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks.
“Sibiya and Noe were immediately placed under arrest. The court found the two police officers guilty in January 2016 after a lengthy trial. Sentencing took place on 16 September 2024 after numerous delay tactics by the duo,” he said.
Thebe further said both accused were found guilty and fined R30 000 each, to be paid in monthly instalments or alternative three years imprisonment suspended for five years. He added that Sibiya and Noe were further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Stephen Mabuela, welcomed the sentence and said integrity is non-negotiable for police officers, who are found to miss this important trait and they have no place in SAPS.
The Guardian 