Two police officers plying their trade at the Mbizana Police station appeared before a local Magister on allegations of corruption and extortion following an incident that saw them attempt to extort money from a hijack victim on Tuesday, November 30.
Sergeant Xolani Vincent Nqoko (46) and Sergeant Mawethu Mthimkhulu (43) were remanded into custody until December 7 for a bail application.
According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, the arrest follows an investigation by the Hawks dating back to October 22, when the commissioning of the crime was reported.
“It is alleged that on June 28, 2022, the victim, Zwelenkosi Ntakana was travelling towards Flagstaff in his Toyota bakkie when two unknown males hijacked his vehicle. He reported the matter at the Flagstaff Police Station where a case of hijacking was opened,” said Mgolodela.
She added that it is alleged that October 22, Ntakana received a call from a person who introduced themselves as a police official from Mbizana Police Station. The said police officer alleged that a firearm linked to multiple murder cases was found in the vehicle. This saw the caller make an offer to ensure that an investigation of the firearm is not linked to Ntakana, provided he paid an amount of R5 000.
“Ntakana immediately reported the matter to the Hawks and an investigation ensued. On November 23 and 29, 2022 two live money handing over transactions by the victim to the alleged suspects was witnessed, thereby leading to their arrest on November 29, 2022.”
The Provincial Head of Police, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya lauded the team for their success, as such criminal tendencies by law enforcement agencies bring the law of the country into disrepute.
