Two police members sentenced for corruption
Two police members sentenced for corruption
The Upington Regional Court has convicted and sentenced two members of the South African Police Services attached to the Upington Police to two years imprisonment after they were charged with corruption. The two officers, Sergeant Stanley Beukes(37) and Constable Thapelo Semamai (26) were on duty driving a marked police vehicle patrolling the streets of Upington during stage 5 COVID-19 lockdown. The two officers came across a 74-year-old woman who was on her way to town to purchase some essentials. She had stopped along the road to throw rubbish in the bin along the road. It is alleged that it was during this time that the two officers approached her. The accused threatened to arrest her as they accused her of failure to confine herself at home as it was a level 5 lockdown.
Upon realising that she did not have a permit, the duo decided to issue her with a permit to be able to go to town. It was then that they told her that it was lunchtime, and she must give them something. She was afraid and panicking and she then gave them money amounting to R200. When she arrived in town, she immediately contacted her husband, and the matter was reported to the police. They were subsequently arrested for corruption. During trial, they pleaded not guilty, and they didn't dispute that they met the woman and issued her with a permit but denied that they solicited gratification.
In aggravation of sentence, the Regional Court Prosecutor, Mzukisi Twani argued for conviction because the two officers did not show remorse for their transgressions. The prosecution argued that the accused had met the woman for the first time when they solicited gratification of two hundred rands from her and therefore she had no vendetta against them. The court agreed with the prosecution and rejected their version. The court found it improbable that the complainant would go and testify at their disciplinary hearing and also their trial. The court sentenced both accused to twenty-four months of direct imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority hopes this conviction will send a clear message to other public servants that those caught breaking the law will be arrested and sentenced without fear or favour.
Issued by,
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539