The arrest of a Klerksdorp police officer for corruption is shameful and an insult to the dignified blue uniform that represents the integrity of the state and the fight against crime and lawlessness, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Thursday.
In commenting the Hawks and members of the crime intelligent unit for the arrest, Premier Modise said that there is still hope that corrupt elements within the South African Police Service will be out rooted as the overwhelming majority of most men and women within the service are loyal to the pledge to serve and protect communities.
Modise called on members of the community not to perpetuate crime and corruption by bribing law enforcement officers .She called on members of the public with information that might assist police in their further investigations to come forward.
According to police, the officer allegedly withdrew traffic offenders' tickets and cancelled their arrest warrants in exchange for money. He was arrested following a sting operation after he had allegedly told a police agent whom he had presented with a R2000 fine for an unroadworthy vehicle.
Spokesperson for North West Police, Brigadier Thulane Ngubane says the arrested officer offered to withdraw the traffic fine and cancel the warrant of arrest if an amount of R1 500 was paid to him.
The suspect was arrested outside the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court after receiving marked money from the undercover police agent and giving proof that the traffic fine was paid and withdrawn.
Ngubane says that he was arrested after he was found in possession of state money and confirmed that there could be further arrests as investigation is continuing to establish if other court officials are involved in corruption.
The arrested officer is expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court soon.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Spokesperson)
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
