Mpumalanga
K9 unit cops arrested for corruption
Eight police officers from the Lydenburg K9 Unit in Mpumalanga were
arrested by the Hawks this morning (11/08/2015), on charges ranging from
corruption, defeating the ends of justice, conspiracy to commit a crime,
assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and kidnapping.
Hawks spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said one Warrant Officer, a
Sergeant and six Constables were believed to be linked to a syndicate that
escorts vehicles transporting illegal cigarettes in Lydenburg and surrounding
areas.
“The officers allegedly stopped a car and upon searching it they found
illicit cigarettes and R510 000 cash. The officers locked the suspects at the
back of the police van, drove to the industrial area where they took R50 000
from the confiscated cash and gave the rest to the owners, who refused to take
the money and then later alerted the Hawks about the incident,” he said.
“Further arrests cannot be ruled out.”
Mulaudzi added that last week Constable Elias Mokwana,37, was arrested
for the same cases and will be appearing before the Lydenburg Magistrate’s
Court tomorrow for a bail application.
“The eight suspects, aged between 30 and 49 will appear before Lydenburg
Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, with their case likely to be postponed to
Wednesday for them to join their co-accused Mokwana,” he said.
-Gareth Wilson
