Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has applauded the men in blue for the arrest of a police officer.
This after the 47-year-old cop stationed at Rust de Winter made an appearance in the Bela-Bela magistrate’s court on Thursday to answer to charges of theft.
Warrant Officer Matshidiso Virginia Sealetsa was arrested on Wednesday after she was accused of stealing bail funds.
According to Hadebe, the suspect is alleged to have started the crime between September 2022 and February 2023.
“While performing her duties as a visible policing commander, Warrant Officer Sealetsa was tasked with the collection of bail monies, traffic fines, and admission of guilt fines from the community service centre to deliver to Bela-Bela magistrate’s court,” said Hadebe.
“It is reported that the warrant officer failed to deliver the monies to the clerk of court to deposit, and instead allegedly used the money for her personal gain.”
The police revealed that the matter was raised during inspection when the receipts, amounting to more than R29 000, were not attached on 14 occasions, prompting management to conduct an investigation which culminated in the arrest.
“The arrest of the suspect will serve as a warning that corrupt employees will be rooted out and be dealt with accordingly. Dishonest and corrupt officials will suffer the consequences of their criminal conduct,” said Hadebe.
Sealetsa was granted R3 000 bail and was ordered to return to court on August 1 while investigations continue.
Speaking to Sunday World on Friday, police spokesperson in Limpopo Malesela Ledwaba said the internal processes are expected to commence, which will seal the officer’s fate.
Meanwhile, a Free State police officer was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly helping an awaiting trial prisoner escape from custody. The escape took place while the accused was waiting in the holding cells of the Welkom magistrate’s court.
Free State police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said the 56-year-old officer was arrested by the provincial anti-corruption unit after he was found to have had a role in the escape.
The cop who is also a Warrant Officer is facing charges of aiding and abetting an escape and defeating the ends of justice.
“On Wednesday, he appeared before the Welkom Magistrate’s court and was released on bail of R1 000. He is expected to make his second court appearance on July 31,” said Thakeng.
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