The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) has arrested a Warrant Officer (W/O) for corruption in Durban. The arrest occurred on 18 July 2011. The accused is W/O Lourens Nadasen (40 years old) of the Provincial Hijacking Task Team based in Isipingo.
The arrest was made following an approach to ICD investigators by a complainant after the complainant's brother was arrested on a charge of armed robbery. The complainant alleged that the investigating officer in the case wanted R5 000 from each of the suspects in the armed robbery in order to have the charges withdrawn.
Authority was granted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to conduct a trap operation. On 18 July 2011 the trap operation commenced with South African Police Service National Intervention Unit (NIU) providing tactical support to the ICD. The complainant was provided with marked money to the value of R2 000 in cash.
A meeting took place between the complainant and the police officer (suspect) where the suspect insisted that the complainant climb into his vehicle. The suspect drove off with the complainant followed by ICD members and the NIU. The suspect dropped off the complainant after the money was handed over and drove off. The accused was then stopped and the scene secured. During a search of the suspect and the vehicle, the marked money was found inside the vehicle driven by the suspect.
The suspect was arrested on a charge of corruption and detained. The suspect appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on 19 July 2011 and was granted bail of R2 000. The case has been postponed to 26 August 2011 for further investigation.
Enquiries:
Moses Dlamini
Cell: 082 809 1927
Source: Independent Complaints Directorate
Independent Complaints Directorate arrests a Warrant Officer for corruption, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
