BLOEMFONTEIN – The Bloemfontein Regional Court has sentenced a former Free State crime intelligence constable to a five-year suspended prison sentence, and a five-year correctional supervision order. Sibongile Makoli was sentenced on Monday 22 June after the court found her guilty on two counts of corruption – demanding a R1 000 bribe from a foreign national found without a valid passport.

Mahlomola Kareli, Free State police spokesperson, confirmed Makoli’s conviction and sentence. He said the court suspended the five-year prison term for five years regarding the case that stemmed from a bribery incident in early 2021.

“The incident unfolded when the accused approached a foreign national found to be without a valid passport. Instead of executing a lawful arrest, the constable demanded a bribe of R1 000. The complainant handed over R200 and agreed to pay the remaining balance later,” said Kareli.

He said the Free State Police Anti-Corruption Unit reacted promptly after receiving intelligence about Makoli’s extortion attempt and immediately set up a sting operation.

“The Free State Police Anti-Corruption Unit conducted an entrapment operation on 26 January 2021. Makoli was arrested after accepting the remaining R800 in trap money from the complainant. A case of corruption was opened at the Kagisanong Police Station,” said Kareli.

He confirmed that Makoli was dismissed from the South African Police Service (SAPS) following standard disciplinary procedures. “Parallel to the criminal justice process, internal departmental proceedings were initiated against the member. In line with standard SAPS disciplinary protocols, Makoli was dismissed,” said Kareli.

The Free State Police Commissioner, Lt Gen. Thabang Lesia, welcomed the outcome, further emphasising management’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption. “The police service will continue to root out criminal elements within its ranks to protect the integrity of the badge and restore community trust.”