Police Sergeant Convicted of Common Assault

07 APRIL 2025

Police Sergeant Convicted of Common Assault

Senekal, Free State – The Senekal Magistrates' Court has convicted and sentenced Sergeant Sechaba April Motaung (38), a police officer stationed at Senekal SAPS, for assault common following an incident that occurred in January 2024.

The conviction relates to a case in which the victim, Mr Kamogelo Malebu Motete (21), was assaulted by the accused on 12 January 2024. According to the evidence presented in court, the complainant was on his way to town when he was called back home by Sergeant Motaung. Upon arrival, he was questioned about alleged stolen money, searched, dragged to a police van, and slapped across the face by the accused.

The matter was thoroughly investigated by Mr Sam Mothibedi Qhali from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and successfully prosecuted by Mr Lesson Sindiso Khoza, a dedicated District Court Prosecutor based in Senekal.

The court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to a fine of R5000 or six months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years. The outcome of the internal departmental process remains pending.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends the collaborative efforts between IPID and the prosecution team in ensuring that justice is served, particularly in matters involving law enforcement officials. This conviction reinforces the principle that no one is above the law and that abuse of power will not be tolerated.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
Contact : 073 423 3539