Two police officers have been convicted and jailed for corruption and defeating the administration of justice.
The conviction and sentence of 52-year-old Rapi Prince Sekopana and 32-year-old Thabang Brian Ledwaba were secured by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit in Limpopo.
The Crime
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the duo, stationed at Mahwelereng police station , was found guilty of soliciting a bribe from a suspect’s family in exchange for his release.
On 2 January 2023 , they responded to a complaint of possession of suspected stolen property at Ga-Molekane village. They took a male suspect into custody and drove away with him.
His sister was then contacted and asked to bring R1,000 for his release. She managed to gather R500 , which she handed over to the accused along the N11 public road near Molekane village as instructed.
However, instead of releasing her brother, they dropped him off at Mahwelereng Mall at Moshate Crossing.
The Investigation
The suspect was re-arrested by community members and taken to the police station, where he was detained.
The Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit was alerted, and an investigation was launched. Colonel Benjamin Mashitisho investigated the matter with diligence and apprehended the two accused on 23 July 2024.
The Sentence
Sekopana and Ledwaba were sentenced to four years’ imprisonment with two years suspended.
“The accused will serve a minimum of two years of direct imprisonment and were also declared unfit to possess firearms.”
The Response
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe , welcomed the sentence.
“We are resolute in our commitment to root out corruption within the South African Police Service. This conviction sends a strong message that no one is above the law , and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who undermine the integrity of our organisation are held accountable.”
“Our focus remains on serving and protecting communities with honesty and professionalism.”
The Bottom Line
R500. That’s all it took for two police officers to throw away their careers and their freedom.
They took a bribe. They got caught. They are going to jail.
“No one is above the law.”
