Corruption charges against police detectives following intimidation of assault victim
A police detective and his former colleague arrested on corruption charges.
Image: Hawks
The Hawks have arrested a police detective and his former colleague on charges of corruption for allegedly intimidating a female victim and persuading her testimony against them in an assault case.
Their arrest has been welcomed by gender-based violence (GBV) activists.
The duo, aged 39 and 44, were arrested on Tuesday by the Hawks' George-based Serious Corruption Investigation team on charges of corruption.
Hawks spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi, said the former detective constable at Thembalethu Police Station in George, who recently resigned, was investigating a case of an alleged assault.
“He allegedly told the suspects to apologise to the complainant and pay an amount of R2 500 to make the case disappear,” said Vukubi.
“It was alleged that the suspects paid the money to the detective for him to give the money to the complainant, but he never did.
“The detective, who is currently employed by SAPS, became aware of the complainant in the assault case and the complaint laid against his colleague with regards to the investigation of her case.
“The detective allegedly intimidated and improperly persuaded the complainant to influence her testimony against his colleague, who is an ex detective.”
They are expected to make an appearance in the George Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Siya Monakali of Ilitha Labantu said they condemned the alleged intimidation and interference by a police detective.
“He sought to undermine a woman's right to justice in an ongoing assault case,” he said.
“The arrest of the officer and his former colleague by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) is a welcome step towards accountability.
Hawks arrest police detective and former colleague for alleged corruption in assault case Hawks arrest police detective and former colleague for alleged corruption in assault case
Image: the Hawks
“It is reported that the former detective, previously stationed at Thembalethu SAPS, solicited a payment of R2 500 under the pretense that it would be given to the complainant to withdraw the case, an act of blatant corruption.
“Even more disturbing is the allegation that a currently serving officer attempted to coerce the female complainant into changing her statement in order to shield his former colleague.
"These actions reflect a gross abuse of power and a deeply troubling disregard for the rights of survivors.
“It is unacceptable that survivors must not only endure violence, but also face threats and manipulation from those meant to protect them.
“We call on the SAPS and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to take swift and decisive action, both in this case and in rooting out the culture of impunity that allows such abuses to persist.”
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