Three Mpumalanga police officers who were taken into custody on Monday in connection with the killing of a man who was beaten following a car accident two weeks prior have made an appearance in court.
The Evander Magistrate’s Court heard the case of constables Ina Mahlangu, 34, Lucky Shabangu, 35, and Musa Hlanze, 32.
Their case was rescheduled for a formal bail application on Thursday. The trio faces charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.
They remain in custody until their next court appearance.
Survived accident, but died after assault
The case concerns a collision that occurred on August 17 in Embalenhle, Mpumalanga. A 33-year-old man survived the accident but was allegedly assaulted by responding police. The man later died following the incident.
Investigators are currently attempting to determine whether the assault was the direct cause of his death.
The arrests were the result of a joint investigation by the SA Police Service (SAPS) detectives and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
The “rogue officers” will be subject to the full might of the law, according to Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, the Mpumalanga acting police commissioner.
Defending SAPS integrity
“This arrest of the three SAPS members demonstrates our continuous dedication to defending the name of the SAPS,” said Mkhwanazi.
“Our code of conduct clearly states how members should conduct themselves and never betray the trust entrusted upon them.
“The law will take its course, and the community can rest assured that no one is above the law.”
The arrest of the three police officers is the latest in a string of successes for IPID. The directorate has been attempting to reduce the number of lawbreakers in uniform.
Days earlier, the Bisho High Court in the Eastern Cape sentenced Sergeant Dumile Elephant Ndlovu to 18 years in prison for killing his wife’s alleged lover and breaking her leg during a vicious assault. While the Johannesburg High Court sentenced Constable Courtney Badrodien Madella to 20 years in prison for the acid murder of her partner.
IPID has commended these consecutive rulings and arrests. It said this is evidence that the trend is shifting against officers who abuse their power.
