By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 November 2024- A policeman (35), who is attached to Phokeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES), was arrested was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU), for corruption and defeating the ends of justice on 14 November 2024.
It is alleged that farmers in the Koster area arrested five suspects for poaching on 25 August 2024, and handed them over to the police for detention.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Constable Desmond Sipho Chauke Chauke, who was on standby, interviewed the accused and indicated to them that they must pay R1000 each. According to Myburgh, one of the five accused accompanied Chauke to a Supermarket in town, where R3000 was withdrawn and given to the policeman.
“Furthermore, Chauke released one of the suspects who was illegal in the country without informing the Department of Home Affairs. The other four accused paid a further fine of R300 each and were released.
“Chauke appeared before the Koster Magistrate’s Court on 15 November 2024, and was released on R1000 bail. His case was postponed until 2 December 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his gratitude to all the members involved in exposing and arresting employees who fail to act with integrity. Kwena emphasized that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will not hesitate to take drastic actions against employees who are involved in criminal activities.
The Guardian 