FORMER POLICE OFFICIAL SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR CORRUPTION 

12 DECEMBER 2025 

FORMER POLICE OFFICIAL SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR CORRUPTION 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of five years’ direct imprisonment handed down by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court to South African Police Service official, Raymond Kabe (43), from Rietondale. Kabe and his co-accused, Matase Andries Rathepye (now deceased), were convicted of corruption involving an amount of R2 000. 

On 29 July 2017, the two male victims were stopped by Kabe and Rathepye while driving in Rietondale. The officers searched their vehicle and found overalls and bolt cutters in the boot. They then demanded R2 000 from the victims in exchange for not arresting them and charging them with possession of housebreaking implements. They then took the victims to the Moot Police Station and later released them after paying the demanded amount. On 2 August 2017, the victims reported the matter at the Moot Police Station, resulting in both officers being summoned to court on 27 September 2022. 

During the trial, Kabe pleaded not guilty, alleging that the charges were fabricated. However, the State presented compelling testimony from both victims, proving his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. During sentencing, Kabe’s legal representative requested leniency, citing that he is a first-time offender, is responsible for children, and had been promoted at work. State Prosecutor Vleis van Zyl argued that the offence was serious and prevalent, that Kabe abused his authority while on duty, and that he failed to show remorse. He further submitted that corruption remains a nationwide problem and urged the court to impose a sentence that would send a strong deterrent message. 

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Kallie Bosch agreed with the State that Kabe had committed a serious offence and had shown no remorse. He emphasised that corruption is increasingly pervasive across various ranks in the country, and that courts have a duty to impose appropriate sentences that deter further misconduct. The court accordingly imposed five years’ direct imprisonment. The NPA hopes that this outcome reaffirms that no one is above the law and underscores the importance of protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system by holding to account those who abuse their power. 

Issued by: 

Lumka Mahanjana 

NPA Regional Spokesperson 

Gauteng Division: Pretoria 

Email: lmahanjana@npa.gov.za 

Cell: 073 002 0000