LADYBRAND – A 47-year-old warrant officer attached to the Maseru Bridge Port of Entry is set to appear in the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court today – Friday on charges of corruption and extortion. The Free State police confirmed the member’s appearance and his subsequent arrest by the Free State Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit yesterday. His arrest followed a prompt intelligence involving an alleged R10 000 bribe.
Lt Col Thabo Covane, provincial police spokesperson, said the incident occurred at the Free State-Lesotho border post and involved a male traveller originating from Lesotho.
“It is alleged that while on official duty at the border post, the warrant officer spotted an unknown male walking from the South African side towards Lesotho. The member stopped the traveller and searched his bag, discovering R71 000 in cash.
The officer allegedly threatened to arrest the traveller for money laundering unless he was paid a bribe of R10 000. The traveller subsequently contacted his sister, the owner of the cash, and handed the phone to the police officer. To ensure her brother’s safe passage into Lesotho, the sister advised him to hand over the demanded R10 000,” said Covane. He said that after receiving the money, the member allowed the traveller to cross the border into Lesotho with the remaining funds.
“The victim formally reported the matter, and the case was immediately handed over to the Free State Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for a comprehensive investigation. Following thorough investigative steps, a warrant for the member’s arrest was obtained and executed. The suspect was taken into custody at approximately 15:30,” said Covane.
The Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, said the police in the province will maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption within their ranks, reaffirming that criminal behaviour by law enforcement personnel will be dealt with decisively, without fear or favour.
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