\n\t\tThey initially asked for R1 000, but the family could only pay R500.\n\t<\/p>\n
Two police officers have been convicted and jailed for corruption and defeating the administration of justice.<\/p>\n
The conviction and sentence of 52-year-old Rapi Prince Sekopana and 32-year-old Thabang Brian Ledwaba were secured by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit in Limpopo.<\/p>\n
Complaint<\/p>\n
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the duo, stationed at Mahwelereng police station, was found guilty of soliciting a bribe from a suspect\u2019s family in exchange for his release.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn 02 January 2023, they responded to a complaint of possession of suspected stolen property at Ga-Molekane village under the Mahwelereng policing area.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey took a male suspect into custody and drove away with him. His sister was then contacted and asked to bring R1 000 for his release. She managed to gather R500, which she handed over to the accused along N11 public road near Molekane village as instructed,\u201d Ledwaba said.<\/p>\n
However, instead of releasing her brother, they dropped him off at Mahwelereng Mall at Moshate Crossing.<\/p>\n
Investigation<\/p>\n
The suspect was re-arrested by community members and taken to the police station, where he was detained.<\/p>\n
Ledwaba said the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit was alerted about the incident, and an investigation was launched.<\/p>\n
\u201cColonel Benjamin Mashitisho investigated the matter with diligence and subsequently managed to apprehend the two male accused on 23 July 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe duo made several court appearances at Polokwane Magistrate Court and were later each granted R5000 bail until they were found guilty on Wednesday, 08 April 2026,\u201d Ledwaba said. <\/p>\n
Sentence<\/p>\n
Sekopana and Ledwaba were sentenced to four years\u2019 imprisonment with two years suspended.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe accused will serve a minimum of two years of direct imprisonment and were also declared unfit to possess firearms,\u201d Ledwaba said.<\/p>\n
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence.<\/p>\n