By OBAKENG MAJE
17 July 2026 – Two former police officials were sentenced for corruption related offences. In the first matter, Warrant Officer Thabo Alfred Maku (56) and Constable Lebogang Lawrence Sebole (38) allegedly demanded R4000 from the owner of a butchery in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg, after identifying contraventions of the Meat Safety Act during November 2020.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said at the time of the incident, both policemen were on duty and attached to the Phokeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit. Myburgh said the court heard evidence that the business owner handed over the money, but no official fine was issued by the police and no receipt was provided.
“The matter was subsequently reported and investigated, leading to their arrest on 18 August 2022. Maku resigned from the police following his arrest, while Sebole was dismissed from the service. On 10 July 2026, both accused were convicted. On 16 July 2026, the court sentenced Maku to six years imprisonment for corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
“Sebole was sentenced to five years imprisonment for corruption. In a second matter reported in Phokeng during January 2022, the court heard that Sebole demanded R7 000 from a complainant in exchange for the release of a vehicle that had been impounded as an exhibit. Following the approval of an undercover operation by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in North West, an operation was conducted, resulting in his arrest,” she said.
Myburgh further said Sebole was also convicted on 10 July 2026 and sentenced to an additional six years imprisonment for corruption. She added that the court ordered that the sentence imposed in the Tlhabane matter, run concurrently with the sentence in the Phokeng case.
“Both accused were also declared unfit to possess a firearm according to Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, 2000,” said Myburgh.
Welcoming the sentences, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said these convictions and sentences send a strong message that no police officer is above the law. Naidoo said police officers must remain within the prescripts of the law at all times.
“We assure the community that the abuse of authority, corruption or conduct that undermines public trust will be dealt with decisively. We would like to further commended Warrant Officer William Armstrong of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, and Advocate Zola Mpayipheli of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and all role players whose professionalism and commitment ensured the successful prosecution of the cases,” he said.
The Guardian 