Woman arrested after allegedly offering R4,000 to free husband in Limpopo

A 53-year-old woman was arrested in Limpopo after allegedly offering R4,000 to a police constable to secure her husband’s release from custody.

What happened

Police said the incident occurred at about 9.30pm on Saturday at the Mankweng Community Service Centre. According to police spokesperson Enquiries Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the woman, who lives in Zone 1 Extension in Seshego, approached a constable attached to the Polokwane Public Order Policing unit and allegedly offered him R4,000 in exchange for the release of her husband.

Officer refused and arrested suspect

Ledwaba said the constable “did not solicit, request or accept the money and warned the suspect that her conduct was unlawful.” Despite the warning, the woman allegedly took cash from her pocket and “forcefully placed it into the Constable’s hands”, whereupon the officer immediately arrested her for bribery.

Aftermath and court appearance

The woman appeared before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing a charge of bribery. Police said her husband had been arrested on a charge of dealing in dagga.

Police reaction

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended the officer. As Ledwaba reported:

“The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers has commended the member for his integrity and professionalism in refusing to be compromised and for upholding the law.”

Key facts

• Suspect: 53-year-old woman from Zone 1 Extension, Seshego.
• Alleged bribe: R4,000.
• Location: Mankweng Community Service Centre, Limpopo.
• Time: about 9.30pm on Saturday.
• Charge against husband: dealing in dagga.
• Woman appeared in Mankweng Magistrate’s Court facing a bribery charge.