Hawks arrest Lebombo police sergeant after R80,000 gratification sting

A 42-year-old police sergeant stationed at the Lebombo Port of Entry was arrested by the Hawks on June 8 after investigators say he accepted a gratification payment of R80,000 during a covert operation.

Operation prompted by intelligence tip-off

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said the arrest followed information received from Crime Intelligence about alleged criminal activity at the border post. Investigators allege syndicates involved in vehicle theft, hijackings and vehicle insurance fraud were working with corrupt officials to move stolen and fraudulently obtained vehicles from South Africa into Mozambique.

Covert operation and arrest

An enquiry was opened and authorisation obtained to conduct a covert operation. Members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in Nelspruit, assisted by the Tactical Operations Management Section, Crime Intelligence and surveillance teams, carried out the operation.

During the operation, the sergeant, who was on duty at the time, allegedly accepted a gratification payment from an undercover agent. He was arrested at the Lebombo Port of Entry and investigators recovered R80,000 in operational funds from him.

Charges and next steps

A corruption case has been opened and further investigations are under way. The identity of the accused has not been released pending his first court appearance. He is expected to appear in the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court on 10 June 2026.

Hawks response

Mpumalanga Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber said the unit remains committed to rooting out corruption within law enforcement structures and ensuring that officials who abuse positions of trust are held accountable. Gerber commended the investigation team and said the arrest should serve as a stern warning to corrupt officials.