Three police officers and a self-proclaimed philanthropist are due back in the Alexandra magistrate’s court on Thursday for their formal bail application.
Self-proclaimed philanthropist Malcolm X, 57, and three police officers – Desmond Campbell Kekana, 52, 45-year-old James Mpho Sekhaolela, and Raymond Mphuwa Mokaile, 38, made their first appearance in court on Monday.
They are charged with two counts of corruption following their arrests at the weekend.
Two of the police officers are from the Silverton K9 unit in Pretoria while the cop is attached to the crime intelligence unit.
According to a joint statement released on Monday by the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the accused are alleged to have participated in corrupt activities when they solicited gratification to the tune of R580 000.
Gratification to avoid arrest
Mjonondwane said the solicited gratification was for a complainant to avoid arrest.
“It is alleged that three police officers went to the complainant’s residence to enquire about her passport and thereafter alleged that it contained fraudulent immigration stamps,” reads the statement.
“They later arrested her and during questioning, the trio allegedly demanded R2-million for her release.
“Malcolm X was the alleged middleman in facilitating the payment. In enticing the family, threats were made about arresting the woman’s son as well.
“The complainant gave in and R580 000 was agreed to, and the complainant was released.”
Mjonondwane said a case of corruption was reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and after completion of the investigation on Sunday, the Hawks’ serious corruption unit effected the arrests.
Mjonondwane said at the time that the accused had been remanded in police custody until their next court appearance on Thursday.
In September, two Eastern Cape Hawks officials appeared in court to face charges of corruption after they allegedly attempted to solicit a R400 000 bribe.
The matter was reported to the Hawks and an undercover operation was conducted. The two officers were arrested and they allegedly had R10 000 in their possession.
