A former police constable, Khabo James Lephatsoe (32) who was dismissed during 2021, has been arrested.
Prior to his arrest on 10 June, four warrants of arrest had been issued against him.
He was arrested by the Sgt Vusimuzi Ngomane of Provinvial Anti Corruption Unit at 12:15 in the Welkom CBD. The suspect appeared in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on 11 June.
The four warrants of arrest are for corruption, extortion, and defeating the ends of justice.
“It is alleged that on 11 January 2018, the suspect and his co-accused approached a complainant to arrest her for possession of gold dust balls in Welkom. Instead, she was extorted out of R300 000,” says Thakeng.
On 17 February 2019, he lent a police vehicle to a civilian friend, who was driving alone in Meloding when he crashed into another vehicle.
When Lephatsoe was called to the accident scene, he pretended as if he was the driver. Lephatsoe’s friend pleaded guilty, and Lephatsoe was charged with defeating the ends of justice.
On 12 May 2021, he was investigating a case of sexual assault that occurred at Wesselsbron. He allegedly offered the prosecutor involved in the case a share of R5 000 so that the prosecutor could get rid of the docket.
On 9 June 2021, he approached a complainant and promised to assist her husband in being released after he was arrested in Welkom for illegal immigration.
He demanded R10 000 for the release of the husband, which was allegedly paid.
Should anyone know his whereabouts, they are asked to contact Sgt. Vusimuzi Ngomane of the Provincial Anti-Corruption unit on 071-683-8477.
Alternatively, can call the Crime Stop number, 08600-10111, or send an anonymous tip-off on the My SAPS app.
