POLICE SERGEANT SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR DEMANDING R3,000 BRIBE

Reitz, Free State – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed by the Reitz Regional Court on Sergeant Lefu Shadrack Zwane, a detective attached to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Reitz. He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in terms of section 276(1)(i) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 for corruption.

The matter was prosecuted by Jaco Scholtz.

The court also imposed an additional five-year prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years on condition that Zwane is not convicted of corruption committed during the period of suspension.

Zwane was the investigating officer in a case registered at Reitz Police Station under CAS 300/03/2025. The complainant in this matter was facing a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

After the complainant’s arrest and first court appearance on 27 October 2025, Zwane approached him and demanded R3,000 in exchange for ensuring that the criminal case did not proceed to trial.

The complainant reported the demand to his employer, who advised him to report it to a commander at Reitz Police Station. The matter was then referred to the Free State Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation.

The Anti-Corruption Unit obtained approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions to conduct an undercover operation in terms of section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act, which regulates the use of traps and undercover operations in the investigation of offences.

For the operation, the complainant was provided with R3,000 in R100 notes. Copies were made of the money, and its serial numbers were recorded before the complainant arranged to meet Zwane in Reitz.

The complainant met Zwane near the OK Mini Market. Zwane instructed him to get into his official vehicle and place the money in the vehicle’s armrest.

Zwane also indicated that the complainant’s case would be delayed until it was eventually struck off the court roll and that the investigation would not be finalised.

After handing over the money, the complainant gave the agreed signal to members of the Anti-Corruption Unit. Sergeant Seekoei and Sergeant Sehlabo approached the vehicle and recovered the marked R3,000. Zwane was subsequently arrested.

The NPA regards corruption involving law enforcement officials as a serious matter, particularly when an official abuses a position of trust for personal financial gain. Such conduct undermines the integrity of the criminal justice system and erodes public confidence in those entrusted with enforcing the law.

The NPA remains committed to prosecuting corruption without fear, favour or prejudice, and to ensuring that criminal justice officials who abuse their positions are held accountable through due process.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Free State Division