Crimes of the South African Police Service

Police constable and others arrested for counterfeit money

Their arrests comes after a tip-off about a person in possession of stained bank notes from Witbank to KwaMhlanga.

12 November 2014 06:00

MBOMBELA-A 39-year-old police constable has been arrested in connection with possession of counterfeit money.

Constable Lucas Mahlangu stationed at Siyabuswa as Court orderly, was arrested on Thursday morning for being in possession of counterfeit money at Ga-Phaahla, in Siyabuswa.
He was arrested together with his taxi boss friend Charlies Boroko (40) and Thomas Mahlangu (39) by the Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG) Unit after a tip-off of the person in possession of stained bank notes from Witbank to KwaMhlanga.

Thomas Mahlangu was arrested at Verena and he then led to the arrest of Charlies Boroko at Moteti who was also found with one stained note. Boroko ultimately pointed that the rest of the money was with Constable Mahlangu.

The police went to Ga-Phaahla where the rest of the money was confiscated.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Major-General (Adv) Meshack Nogwanya has vowed that police officials who have an unacceptable, corrupt and disgraceful behaviour and mentality are not welcomed in the service.

“I am impressed by the work done by Crime Intelligence Gathering Unit for ensuring that rotten cops are placed where they belong. I also want to applaud the community that vows not to allow any criminal activity to happen under their noses without informing the police. 

Indeed if we continue to work together like this, crime will just be nothing to us. This clearly shows that we are committed to fight any form of crime without any fear of a person’ status. I still repeat that I will not tolerate any form of ill discipline by our members. All those who do not behave according to our prescripts will be dealt with accordingly”.

The trio have already appeared before Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court on November 7 and were remanded in custody for further investigation.

They will be re-appearing on November 14.

http://mpumalanganews.co.za/198474/police-constable-others-arrested-counterfeit-money/

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Four years later, man tells of brutal beating by police

“I rushed over to the station where I found Malibe with blood running down his face as he had an open wound to his head.

Johanri Coetzee | 29 September 2014 16:10

LYDENBURG – Four years after Mr Oupa Malibe was assaulted by six police offers, Malibe shared his version of what happened on April 29, 2009 in the holding cells of the local police station.

“On the 29th one of the police officers entered the cells I was kept in, demanding me to hand over a phone they alleged I had in my possession. I told him I had nothing on me. They took me out of the cell and started assaulting me as a group. They hit me with a plank, kicked me and beat me numerous times. The assault continued for about an hour. I begged them to take me to the hospital, but they used abusive language and threw me into another cell. I couldn’t see and I was bleeding. They never found the phone,” Malibe said.

An anonymous community member told the paper that they received a phone call from the station to visit the victim. “I rushed over to the station where I found Malibe with blood running down his face as he had an open wound to his head. He was crying and he couldn’t even stand on his feet. We told the police that we would bring our own private doctor if they did not send him to hospital,” the community member said.

According to the member they went back to the station in the afternoon to find that Malibe ha been taken to the hospital. They found him tied to his bed and under police guard.

“I spent almost a month in hospital and still suffer from a lot of pain, especially in my spinal cord”, Malibe told the paper. “I don’t feel free and although I have forgiven them, I still think they must be jailed”.

http://steelburgernews.co.za/162581/assaulted-version/

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Harassment, intimidation by metro police

 05 March 2012 |"@" Chitra Bodasing

Who is keeping our roads safe if officers of the law are keeping themselves busy with harassment, corruption, intimidation and bribery?

This question needs to be asked following the number of complaints received by looklocal in the past two weeks.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson, Superintendent Edna Mamonyane, has since urged members of the public, who have complaints against metro officers, to come forward.
The JMPD has been accused of the above-mentioned practices by the Chinese community, community leaders, residents and the ward councillor.
Last week members of the Cyrildene and Bruma community were up in arms about the number of roadblocks and stop-and-search operations conducted in these suburbs on a daily basis.
Members of the Chinese community were angered stating that they were being targeted.
“Chinese people are forced to pay bribes or face being arrested, in some cases for doing nothing wrong.
“Some people are scared because they are put into vehicles and driven around on highways for hours. They are scared of being killed and also put in jail for nothing,” said Mr Maure Chen, from the Chinatown Community Forum.
He added that Chinese people are being targeted because JMPD officers are aware that many of them carry large sums of cash.
“Chinese people go to wholesalers for example and carry large sums of cash. They are terrified because they are targeted for this money.
“We also see JMPD officers in this area late at night waiting to target people. Some of them also wait for people to leave restaurants and ‘arrest them for being drunk’. Some of these people do not even drink.
“JMPD officers are stopping and searching our vehicles and telling us that we are ‘parking illegally’.
“They have been here a lot recently and are asking for bribes.
“Weekends are especially bad with JMPD presence. We do not have a problem if they issue fines for contraventions but it seems the Chinese community in Cyrildene is being targeted. If we are doing something wrong, issue fines - do not ask for bribes. They are only here for money,” said Mr Chen.
Mr Rob Crawford, the chairperson of the Sector One Crime Forum, agreed with statements made by Mr Chen about Chinese people being targeted and added that JMPD officers from Johannesburg City Central, Diepsloot, Special Patrols and the K9 Unit were conducting roadblocks in Cyrildene and Bruma.
“Why are so many units here? We fall under Alexandra. There are at least three roadblocks taking place every day in such close proximity. Roadblocks have been taking place in Cyrildene Crescent, Marcia Street before Asia City, at the corner of Marcia and Queen streets, in the dip in Queen Street, next to Athlone Girls High School in Friedland Avenue.
“I have received numerous complaints from the community. While JMPD does stop motorists who are not Chinese, it is mainly the Chinese residents who are being targeted. The Chinese residents refuse to open cases against the JMPD because they believe they will be victimised. They are too afraid of opening cases because officers will have all their details such as their address making them easier targets for corrupt officers. I understand their fear but if they do not stand up for themselves, nothing will be done,” said Mr Crawford.
He said that he can understand how the Chinese residents feel. “If you ask officers what they are doing here, you are threatened with arrest.
“We want JMPD to tackle the windscreen washer and beggar problem at the Broadway, Marcia Street and Allum Road intersection but instead, officers stand just a few metres away from this hotspot issuing fines to motorists,” he said.
Clr Alison van der Molen, ward 118, was also asked by the Chinese community and other residents to intervene.
“I have to take endless abuse from frustrated residents who are harassed by window washers daily and all JMPD does is conduct roadblocks. The Chinese community is sadly the easiest victim of this abuse as they are intimidated by JMPD. It seems this is a lucrative area for JMPD.
“I was also bullied by a female officer so I know how they feel. I once stopped and asked officers in the area what they were doing and if I could help them. They had stopped a Chinese person. I told this person not to pay a bribe and the JMPD officers wanted to arrest me.
“On Tuesday last week I was in Derrick Avenue. I saw a JMPD bakkie stop and a female officer in uniform got out of the vehicle. She walked into an adult shop leaving a person dressed in civilian clothes in the passenger seat.
“About 15 minutes later she was still in the shop. I was not aware of any transgressions in that area at the time. It seemed unusual that she would find it necessary to go into the shop unless it was for personal reasons,” said Clr Van der Molen.
She added that the man in the vehicle threw a plastic cold drink bottle out of the vehicle.
Clr Van der Molen picked it up and gave it back to him requesting that he not dispose of his refuse illegally. “I then requested officials to investigate this matter,” said Clr Van Der Molen.
She added that if JMPD was doing constructive things like addressing the speed at which motorists come down Marcia Road and the window washers, then maybe the community would feel differently.
“JMPD’s Overload unit, has a reputation for taking bribes but sadly the Chinese community members are too scared to speak up.
“JMPD has several departments yet it seems like they are not co-ordinated in this area,” she said.
While looklocal was on its way to an appointment in the area recently, JMPD officers were spotted pulling off vehicles in a quiet residential road.
Mrs Jo Stephen, a resident, described JMPD presence in the area over recent weeks as outrageous.
She said that motorists are being harassed. “They were here every day over a 10-day period conducting at least three roadblocks a day. What are they trying to achieve by conducting so many roadblocks? I do not get stopped all the time but it is extremely frustrating. They also sit close to the highway, backing up traffic. We live here and have to go through this every day. Where are they when the traffic lights are not working? Is there something that they are looking for? There is a taxi rank close by. Why do they not check these taxis for roadworthiness? While we see a need for law enforcement, there must be some sort of consideration for people living in the area and using these roads daily,” she said.
Attorney, Litsa Skylakis, said that she was recently stopped by disrespectful and insulting officers.
“I was with my 76-year-old mother. They asked me for my triangle. I was going to a doctor’s appointment at the time.
“My boot was packed and there was no way I could unpack it myself. I usually get help to take everything out of the boot because I cannot bend and pick up heavy items. I am currently going for treatment. I asked them to take the things out of the boot so that they could see the triangle and instead of doing so, they gave me a fine.
“I was really angered when they walked around the car and laughed at my mother. One of the officers also irritated me when he said ‘You people break the law’. Which people are they talking about? They were screaming and aggressive,” she said.
Ms Skylakis said that she does not break the law and there was no reason for the officers to treat her and her mother that way. She said that they are public servants and are expected to treat people professionally especially seeing that the public’s money is paying their salaries.
“Without us they would not have a job. When I asked a JMPD officer why they do not stop motorists for skipping a red traffic light he said that it is hard to prove in court.
“Then they stop us, the people who are not contravening the law, while other motorists are flying past them on the highway. They do not know what they are doing. They are not following the rules and regulations.
“I will be laying a complaint against them. I can fully understand the public’s frustration with them,” said Ms Skylakis. looklocal forwarded an enquiry to Superintendent Edna Mamonyane, spokesperson for the JMPD, on February 27.
While she was away at meetings Mr Karabo Motsepe said that he received the enquiry and forwarded it to the office of the Director of Internal Affairs for further Investigation.
Superintendent Mamonyane said that she would have to talk to the department about the issues raised.
“JMPD can conduct a roadblock anywhere but I need to confirm if the roadblocks held in these areas were planned or if officers decided to conduct them on their own.
“I urge people to come forward and report bribery, corruption and any other problem they may have with JMPD officers,” she said.

This civilian car CA760371 been park in front of my house for many hours, the old man is wearing a blue shirt use only by officials that's why assume is checking on me.

http://bikerambush.blogspot.com/

Crimes of the South African Police Service

East Rand cops arrested for hijacking, theft of alcohol worth R2 million

November 21, 2013

policemen were arrested in Elsburg, Germiston, on Wednesday for hijacking a truck and stealing alcoholic beverages worth R2 million, the Hawks said.

Captain Paul Ramaloko said a warrant officer and a constable stopped a truck on the N3 highway on November 1.

The driver and his crew where detained at a police station while the policemen drove the truck to an undisclosed place and offloaded the liquor.

Read more….

http://www.fightagainstcrime.co.za/category/jmpd/page/4/

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Drunk cop fled scene, says accident victim

May 26, 2014

A crime intelligence officer at Randburg police station has been accused of driving drunk – and being spirited away by fellow officers after a car accident.

Katrina Miller was driving up Main Avenue on Tuesday afternoon, passing through the robot intersection at the corner of Oxford Street in Ferndale, Randburg.

On the opposite side, about three cars behind the intersection, an officer driving a white, unmarked vehicle allegedly pulled out into the road in what was thought to be an illegal U-turn. Miller’s car smacked into the vehicle, sending both cars spinning into the middle of the road.

» Read more..

http://www.fightagainstcrime.co.za/category/jmpd/page/3/

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Stadium Management SA give JMPD the boot for big events

July 21, 2014

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) will no longer be used to control traffic flow for major sporting events at FNB Stadium, Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) said on Tuesday.

“We’re still going to utilise the JMPD as an oversight traffic consultant,” Jacques Grobbelaar, chief executive of SMSA said.

“What we cannot walk away from is the fact that, in the past, it didn’t work. What we paid for in the past and what we expected, is not what we received.”

» Read more..

http://www.fightagainstcrime.co.za/category/jmpd/page/2/

Crimes of the South African Police Service

10 held in Parow cop corruption probe

2014-11-07 14:11

Nielen de Klerk, News24

Johannesburg - Nine policemen from Parow, in Cape Town, and a former employee of the police station were arrested on corruption charges early on Friday morning, Western Cape police said.

"The officials: one sergeant, eight constables, and one former employee, will be charged with corruption following information that they took bribes from suspects and stole exhibits," said Captain FC van Wyk.

They were arrested by the provincial anti-corruption unit.

Western Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant -Gen Arno Lamoer welcomed the arrests.

"This will send out a strong message to all police officials that bad elements within the service will not be tolerated," he said in a statement.

"We wish to assure the community of Parow that service delivery will not be compromised by these arrests.

"Contingency measures have been put in place to ensure that all services are rendered at the police station," he said.

- SAPA

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/10-held-in-Parow-cop-corruption-probe-20141107

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Cape cops in court for corruption

2014-11-10 22:37

Cape Town - Ten Western Cape police officials, based at the Parow police station in Cape Town, appeared in the Bellville District Court on Monday.

The officials, who were arrested at the weekend, face eight charges of corruption each, with the amounts involved totalling in excess of R10 000.

State advocate Max Orban, of the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crime Court, alleges that on various occasions last year, they falsely informed victims that drugs had been found on their business premises, and demanded the immediate payment of fines to avoid arrest.

Magistrate Cyril Croutz released Percy Claassen, 46, Randall Phillips, 28, Nocilaas Ryk, 38, Muneer Daniels, 29, Alvico Carolissen, 28, Divan Webster, 30, Dudley Abrahams, 37, Casbeth Tsiri, 30, Thembalethu Mazimela, 29, and Samkelo Mnyanda, 27, on R5 000 bail each.

He warned them to appear in court again on 15 January next year, and not to make contact, directly or indirectly, with named prosecution witnesses.

The magistrate also warned them that if they breached any of their bail conditions, their bail would be forfeited to the State.

They would then be taken back into custody until the finalisation of their case, he warned.

In due course, they will go on trial before Magistrate Sabrina Sonnenberg, in the Bellville commercial court in accordance with a directive issued by the Western Cape Directorate for public prosecutions for all corruption cases involving the police or other government officials.

The proceedings lasted about 30 minutes.

Immediately afterwards, a second, unrelated corruption case was called involving a Parow policewoman, Mabel Segoete, 36.

Her case involves the theft of a police investigation docket.

She was released on R1 000 bail, and was also warned to return to court on 15 January.

She, too, will in due course go on trial in the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crime Court.

- SAPA

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Cape-cops-in-court-for-corruption-20141110

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Another Parow cop arrested

2014-11-21 13:13

Cape Town - A police officer from Parow, Cape Town, was arrested for alleged fraud and defeating the ends of justice on Friday, Western Cape police said.

He allegedly failed to open a case in September against a man who was arrested and handed over to him by the local neighbourhood watch in Parow Park after being found in possession of 15 Mandrax tablets, police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk said.

The constable was also accused of altering a doctor's sick note to add an extra three days' sick leave.

Van Wyk said the doctor had confirmed that the officer was booked off sick from 17 October to 5 November, and not to 8 November.

The constable had been served with a notice of possible suspension.

On 7 November, a Parow police station sergeant, nine constables, and a former employee were arrested for allegedly taking bribes from suspects and stealing exhibits.

- SAPA

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Another-Parow-cop-arrested-20141121

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Cop held for stealing MacBook from premier's office

2014-11-26 21:25

(File: News24)

Mbombela - An Mpumalanga police constable appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Ccourt on Wednesday in connection with the theft of an Apple MacBook.

Provincial police spokesperson Selvy Mohlala confirmed that Constable Promise Mashego, 27, of Mbombela was arrested on Friday after he was accused of stealing the Apple MacBook from the Office of the Premier, David Mabuza.

He was not asked to plead, a Sapa correspondent reported.

The court heard that closed circuit television camera footage from the premier's office showed the accused, dressed in his official police uniform, taking the laptop worth roughly R28 500.

He was granted R1 000 bail and the matter was postponed to 21 January.

- SAPA

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Cop-held-for-stealing-MacBook-from-Mabuzas-office-20141126

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Cop appears for alleged rape of teen boys

2014-07-04 13:08

(Nielen de Klerk, News24)

Cape Town - A Cape Town police officer accused of raping two 14-year-old boys appeared in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court on Friday, the IPID said.

Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson Grace Langa said the matter was postponed to 11 July for a formal bail application, for the officer to appoint a lawyer, and for the IPID to conduct further investigations.

The 40-year-old man was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison after his appearance.

The officer was arrested at his home on Wednesday.

He allegedly abused the boys for four years.

"The IPID became aware of the matter on 20 June 2014... [we] hastened to arrest the policeman on 2 July 2014 following allegations that he had also made death threats to fellow SAPS members," Langa said on Thursday.

After his arrest the man was taken to the Kraaifontein station, where he slit his wrists in an attempt to commit suicide.

"He was rushed to a local clinic for treatment after which he was transferred back to Kraaifontein."

The man allegedly raped the boys in the toilets of the police station where he worked.

"There are also allegations that the suspect made the two minors watch pornographic videos at his house. He apparently gave the victims between R50 and R200 afterwards."

The SA Policing Union (Sapu) said on Friday it was shocked and disgusted by the allegations.

"The law must not show any mercy to this suspect, more especially that he is a man of the law," Sapu general secretary Oscar Skommere said in a statement.

"Vulnerable people, including women and children, put their trust in the police. It is precisely for that reason that we call for a harsher sentence if he is convicted."

Sapu called him a coward for trying to commit suicide.

- SAPA

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Cop-appears-for-alleged-rape-of-teen-boys-20140704

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Policeman charged with rape

It is alleged that the accused took the victim to a forest near her home where he raped her in the SAPS vehicle.

15 July 2014 16:50 

WHITE RIVER – A 47 year old Warrant Officer appeared at the White River Magistrates Court yeaterday for the alleged rape of a 67 year old woman. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Mpumalanga office arrested a SAPS member on Sunday evening. The suspect was released on R1000 bail.

It is alleged that on this day, the victim was at the police station to report an assault involving her children. She was assisted by the suspect. The accused then allegedly detained her for an unknown reason and then sexually assaulted her in an office next to the Community Service Centre. The victim then went home followed by the accused who arrived in a SAPS vehicle and told her to accompany him. It is alleged that the accused took the victim to a forest near her home where he raped her in the SAPS vehicle.

The victim reported the matter to the SAPS and the IPID was immediately informed.

The accused handed himself over to the IPID and was arrested and detained. He appeared at the White River Magistrates Court yesterday on a charge of rape. The case has been postponed to August 27 for further investigation.

http://lowvelder.co.za/208123/policeman-charged-rape/

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Police officer sacked for rape and theft

The Reiger Park police officer suspected of stabbing his girlfriend to death has been sacked.

Fanie Mthupha | 12 September 2014 11:00 

According to Sgt Mashudu Phathela, spokesperson for the Reiger Park SAPS, the officer was dismissed from the force last month, following a thorough internal investigation into his alleged involvement in rape and theft.

He allegedly raped a minor and also allegedly illegally used State petrol cards to buy petrol from a filling station.

“He was dismissed for both cases after a disciplinary panel found that he was guilty of both offences,” explains Phathela.

The rape case was withdrawn and investigations are underway into the theft charge.

Phathela stated that the officer, however, has 21 days to appeal the disciplinary panel’s decision.

“Because he is already fired, no departmental disciplinary action will be taken against him regarding the recent murder case.

“However, investigators are still trying to gather enough evidence to link the officer to the suspected killing his girlfriend,” adds Phathela.

The Reiger Park police woman, Const Cynthia Monkwe, was stabbed to death on Monday, February 3, allegedly by her boyfriend (the sacked police officer).

She was found near her home in Ramaphosa, when a passerby found her lying on the ground, covered in blood.

Three days after the killing, the police arrested the deceased’s boyfriend in connection with the murder.

He was charged with murder and his trial was meant to start on Friday, February 7.

However, this did not happen because the murder charge against him was not placed on the court roll due to lack of evidence.

However, according to police spokesperson Col Lungelo Dlamini, the officer is not yet off the hook.

“The case is still under investigation and the suspect can still be charged with murder. Detectives are collecting necessary evidence to build a case against the suspect to get the case enrolled.

“Once the investigating officer has completed his investigations, and obtained all the evidence needed for the case to be enrolled, the docket will be presented to the prosecutors again.”

The release of the suspects came as a surprise to a number of Mokwe’s colleagues, who scathingly criticised the way the investigating officers is handling the matter.

According to a police report, the deceased was seen with the suspect moments before the horrific incident.

Following the crime, he allegedly fled the scene in Mokwe’s vehicle.

It appears he drove towards Heidelberg before the vehicle ran out of petrol, dumping it on the side of N3 freeway where it was later discovered.

The matter is being investigated by the Germiston Organised Crime Unit detectives.

– @FanieBoksburg

http://boksburgadvertiser.co.za/209293/police-officer-sacked-for-rape-and-theft/

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Policeman to face trial for alleged tampering with rape evidence

Policeman in court for apparently covering up a rape case involving his son.

Tereasa Ferrari | 8 August 2013

WATERVAL BOVEN – A policeman (50) who had allegedly tried to destroy evidence that would link his son to the apparent rape and attempted murder of a 19-year-old woman, appeared in court again last week.

He may not be identified as his son still has to plead to the charges against him. The accused allegedly visited the crime scene and removed items, which included bloodstained clothes and underwear, and apparently failed to hand it in as evidence.

Mpumalanga police spokesman Col Leonard Hlathi said on June 24 last year the young woman was apparently visiting a drinking establishment in the town together with her boyfriend (25) on June 24 last year.

He said the couple appeared to have known the perpetrator and were having drinks with him.

According to the boyfriend, the accused allegedly offered to accompany them home as he told them his father was a policeman and the latter would help them if they were caught driving under the influence.

Hlathi said while driving home in the boyfriend’s car, the accused started arguing with the couple and insisted the boyfriend stop the car. He then allegedly assaulted the latter, jumped back into the vehicle and drove away with the victim.

The accused drove to the Bloukrans area and stopped on a gravel road where he allegedly beat and raped her and left her for dead near a river. A source told Lowvelder he had also apparently tried to run her over with the vehicle.

The policeman is due to appear in the Middelburg High Court on October 9.

http://mpumalanganews.co.za/6744/policeman-to-face-trial-for-alleged-tampering-with-evidence/