WELKOM – A 32-year-old police constable attached to the Welkom Vehicle Crimes Investigation Unit (VCIU) appeared in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 20 August, following his arrest on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

Constable Nkosana Mkhwanazi was arrested on Wednesday, 19 August, following an investigation by the Free State SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit.

It is alleged that on Friday, 10 July, Mkhwanazi approached his shift commander and requested authorisation for a disposal order to release a vehicle to its owner. The request was declined because the investigation into the vehicle had not yet been completed.

The shift commander later discovered that the vehicle had nevertheless been released.

Upon contacting the vehicle’s owner, the commander was allegedly informed that Mkhwanazi had instructed her to bring R1 500 and her identity document in exchange for the release of the vehicle.

The owner confirmed that she had handed the cash and her identity document to the constable and that the vehicle had subsequently been returned to her possession.

Police immediately instructed the owner to return the vehicle to police custody, while a criminal case was registered.

The Free State SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit led the subsequent investigation. After evidence had been gathered, the case docket was presented to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision.

A warrant for Mkhwanazi’s arrest was subsequently issued.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thabang Lesia commended the shift commander and members of the Anti-Corruption Unit for their swift action.

Lesia said SAPS would not tolerate corruption within its ranks and that members found to be involved in corrupt activities would be dealt with decisively.

Mkhwanazi remains in custody. The matter was postponed to 27 August for legal representation and a bail application.

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