Six Anti-Gang Unit Officers Remanded in Custody on Serious Criminal Charges

11 April 2025

Six Anti-Gang Unit Officers Remanded in Custody on Serious Criminal Charges

Odendaalsrus, Free State – Six members of the South African Police Service attached to the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit have appeared in appeared before the Odendaalsrus Magistrates’ Court. The officers are facing five serious charges, namely corruption, extortion, kidnapping, assault, and defeating the ends of justice. The matter has been postponed to 14 April 2025, and all six accused have been remanded in custody.
The accused in this matter are Constable Thabang Petrus Thesele, Constable Sipho Marumo, Constable Setlhabi Isaac Matsime, Constable April Monatisa, Constable Paseka Jackson Mokoro and Constable Thabiso Sylvester Lethetsa.

The charges relate to an incident on 23 October 2024, when the officers allegedly arrested a Nigerian national after discovering drugs at his residence in Odendaalsrus. Instead of following legal procedures and arresting the Nigerian National, the officers allegedly kidnapped and assaulted the victim in a SAPS vehicle and demanded R12 000.00 in exchange for not detaining or charging him. The victim was released after borrowing the money and handing it over to the officers.

Five of the six officers were arrested on 08 April 2025 by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) affectionately known as the Hawks. The sixth officer, Constable Thesele, handed himself over and joined the others in court during their appearance. Investigations led by the DPCI are continuing in this matter.

Issued by:

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